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THE 

HISTORY 


of  THB 


LATE  WAR, 

%  ^    #      '        BETWEBN   THfJ  ■ 

UNITED  STATES  AND  GREAT  BRITAIN, 

•CONIHININO   A 

BRIEF  RECAPITULATION  OF  THE  EVENTS 

WHICH   LED   TO   THE 

DECLARATION  OF  WAR. 

,T«  PROGRESS,  AND  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE 
VARIOUS  BR1I.1'IA''T 

/         LAND  AND  NAVAL  VICTORIES, 

ISCLUDlSG  THE 

BATTLE  yF  NEW-ORLEANS. 


PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BV  A.  &  E.  PICKET, 
BOOKSELLERS  AND  STATIONERS. 

18.31. 


- 

I 


%# 


-:*m: 


'/ 


"* 


'  / 


PBEFACE. 


Thk  events  of  the  lato  war  have  already  ex- 
ercised the  pens  of  numerous  writers,  and  cer- 
Sy  there  could  not  be  a  more  fruitful  subject 
The  author  has  attempted  a  concise  narrative  of 
the  principal  occurrences,  freed  from  volummous 
and  unnecessary  naval  and  military  details.     The 
greater  part  of  the  works  already  published,  are 
Tn  too  expensive  a  shape  and  bulk  for  general 
circulation,  or  for  the  use  of  school..     It  is  not 
every  petty  skirmish,  or  the  unintelligible  details 
of  naval  afiairs,  which  is  suited  to  the  youthfal  \  -^ 
mind:  it  is  only  from  those  important  actions  y 
which  shed  honor  on  our  country,  that  instruction 

can  he  derived. 

What  volume  so  favorable  to  the  formation 
pf  the  youthful  mind,  as  that  which  asserts  tlio 


I    _ 


IV 


PRRFACE. 


dignity  of  ov.r  country,  wliich  records  the  glorious 
actions  of  our  countrymen,  and  which  proves 
that  our  national  character  lias  risen  under  the 
influence  of  our  political  institutions?     The  au- 
thor has  therefore  thrown  in  the  back  ground, 
the  minor  events  of  the  late  glorious  war,  in  order 
to  place  in  a  more  conspicuous  point  of  view, 
those  of  a  more  important  character.     Our  sol- 
diers  and  sailors  have  done  their  duty,  it  remains 
for  their  children  to  value  it  as  becomes  the  pos- 
terity of  freemen,   and  to  emulate  the  deeds  of 
their  fathers.  ^   .      ,  , , 


IBPAOE. 


wliich  records  the  glorious 
ymen,  and  which  proves 
acter  lias  risen  under  the 
cal  institutions?  The  aii- 
own  in  the  back  ground, 

late  glorious  war,  in  order 
onspicuous  point  of  view, 
tant  character.  Our  sol- 
ilone  their  duty,  it  remains 
lue  it  as  becomes  the  pos- 

to  emulate  the  deeds  of 


Camrt  of  the  var  Ufith    Englandr-Ordert    in 
Council— Impressment— Indian  IIostihtieB. 

The  United  States  assumed  a  rank  among  the 
nations  of  the  world,  in  one  of  the  most  stormy 
periods  of  its  history.     All  Europe  was  convul- 
Lod  with  the  eflects  of  the  French  revolution. 
The  mighty  warrior  which  it  called  into  political 
life,  seemed  to  move  as  the  genius  of  the  tempest 
One  of  his  ruling  maxims  was  never  to  tolerate  a 
neutral;  all  therefore  within  the  reach  of  his  arm 
were  either  allies,  vassals,  or  foes.     liUgland, 
whose  erroneous  policy  had  in  the  first  instance 
given  rise  to  this   energy,  chose  to  adopt  the 
same  maxim.      She  moreover  appealed   to  tho 
world  as  the  defender  of  the  liberties  and  rights 
of  nations,  and  plainly  denounced  as  traitors, 
those  who  declined  a  participation  m  her  quar- 

'  Fortunately  for  this  country,  the  waves  of  the 
Atlantic  telle,    -etween  it  and  the  fiiry  of  the 
European  bellig^  ants.    However  desirous  they 
A3 


• 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


might  be  of  engaging  us  in  their  mad  contest,  it 
could  only  bo  through  insidious  arts,  by  whicli 
the  inexperienced  are  entrapped,  or  by  repeated 
provocations.     For  twenty-five  years,  these  de- 
signs  wero  resisted  with  unshaken  firmness.   The 
advice  of  Washington,  to  keep  aloof  from  the 
dangerous  contest,  was  strictly  observed.     The 
nation  was  repeatedly  exasperated  beyond   en, 
durance,  but  the  government  opposed  itself  to 
the  imprudent  effects  of  wounded  feeling.     It  ap- 
peared to  be  a  contest  between  France  and  Eng- 
land  which  could  injure  us  most,  and  on  our  part 
how  long  wo  could  forl)ear.     But  there  is  a  point 
at  which  this  forbearance  must  become  not  only 
imprudent,  but  unjust.     The  pains  we  had  taken 
to  keep  aloof  from  the  European  wars,  at  last 
came  to  be  taken  for  pusillanimity,  or  at  least  for 
a  want  of  energy  in  the  structure  of  the  govern- 
ment.     It  became  fashionable  to  represent  us  as 
a  mean  and  sordid  race,  incapable  of  any  gene, 
rous  feeling,  and  exclusively  devoted  to  self-in- 
terest, whom  no  insult  no  injury,  could  provoke 
to  strike. 

The  practices  at  first  resorted  to  for  the  pur- 
pose of  engaging  us  to  share  their  battles,  were 
now  converted  into  ordinary  means  of  supplying 


THE  LATE  WAR. 

us  in  their  mad  contest,  it 
insidious  arts,  by  whicii 
entrapped,  or  by  repeated 
enty.five  years,  these  de- 
ll unshaken  firmness.   The 
,  to  keep  aloof  from  the 
9  strictly  observed.     The 
exasperated  beyond  en^ 
imment  opposed  itself  to 
*  wounded  feeling.    It  ap- 
bctweon  France  and  Eng- 
I  us  most,  and  on  our  part 
ear.    But  there  is  a  point 
ce  must  become  not  only 
The  pains  we  had  taken 
European  wars,  at  last 
sillanimity,  or  at  least  for 
structure  of  the  govern- 
onable  to  represent  us  as 
;,  incapable  of  any  gone- 
sively  devoted  to  eelf-in- 
no  injury,  could  provoke 

t  resorted  to  for  the  pur- 
share  their  battles,  were 
lary  means  of  supplying 


i 


1I18T0UY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  ' 

their  coftera,  or  recruiting  their  BtrcngtlK  IWe 
confiscated  and  plunderd  our  sh.pH,  Spain  and 
some  of  the  potty  states  followed  the  exan.ple,  an 
hou«h  our  iLific  policy  had  rendered  uh  lawful 
pey  to  all  nationH.  England  «eemed  to  thjnk 
5  af  she  hud  a  right  to  transfer  our  «eamen  o  her 
lervico  at  her  pleasure.  Thus  «U«a ted,  it  be- 
Tame  no  longer  I  matter  of  choice  of  the  opemy, 
or  whether  to  content  with  both. 

F  om  Britain  we  had  experienced  great  provo- 
cation.    This  haughty  power  seemed  to  harbo 
aTslike  to  us  for  having  so  bravely  declared  and 
^na intained  our  independence.     Her  conduct  to- 
Z  ds  us  was  uniformly  disrespectful  and  con. 
r«!!nt.,o«8      She  had  called  us  rebels,  she  st.U 
r„   de  S  us  Lsuccessfiil  rebel,   whose  dest.- 
tut"on  of  principle  must  end,  and  cause  us    o 
faU  together  by  the  ears  and  thus  make  room  for 
SleiXneAovereign.    Little  did  she     now 
of  the  real  spirit  of  American  liberty.     Ihe  set 
tl  ng  down  of  this  mighty  republic  into  that  sober 
ordfr  and  beautiful  symmetry  which  at  present  it 
possesses,  appeared  to  her  a  state  ^f  ""^^J/^^y-    . 
The  treaty  of  1783,  was  shamelully  slighted, 
although  at  peace,  she  smote  us  with  a  concealed 
hand?!  instigated  a  dreadful  Indian  war,  m 


t.>^»r';»ip  irpitMur 


I 


niSTORV  OF  THE  LATE  WAR 


«'l.ioh  thousands  of  Am..ri...n  n,i.on«  M-«re  bar- 

pen  ,|o  of  the  Wo^lern  country  .n„  tbrg.t  tho  de- 

ftm  o,  Manner  and  Sinclair,  or  tl,e  ™acre, 
of  1.0  nont.or  Hottlcr..  If.hcro  cxi.tod  nnvpor- 
HTuIar  dc..,ro  for  war  on  .l.o  p„rt  of  ,1,„  Union, 
thu  ,8  suroly  cmoukI.  to  nrconnt  for  it.  Wi.en  tho 
Indinn  hostilities  were  at  ia.t  ha,,pily  terminated 
by  the  I.rav,..ry  ,uul  prudence  of  (General  Wnvne 
and  a  treaty  of  poaco  in  lTfl4,  concluded  MitI 
England,  U  wa«  thought  that  wo  might  at  lust  in- 
du^e  tho  fust  w..h  of  our  hearts,  and  live  at 
poace:  but  we  .verc  greatly  mistaken.  OurLrrow- 
.ng  pro.penty  could  not  be  seen  by  her  without 

2  rade  fell  .nto  our  hand«  and  greatly  enriched 

on.-  merchant..     Britain  resolved  to  put  a  stop  to 

this  by  renewmg  what  is  culled  tho  rule  of '36 

cstnDhshed  by  her  at  that  period,  in  order  to  em 

barrass   he  French  commerce.     It  w.s  founded 

ostensibly,  upon  the  idea  that  neutr^l«  ought  not 

to  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  war  to  a  belliierant 

by  Jieepmg  up  an  intercourse  between  its  diffel 

rent  ports  or  colonies;  but  it  was  in  reality,  the 

result  of  a  flagrant  usurpation  of  the  sovereignty 

^  th«  seas.     It  was  followed  up  by  orders  of 


-"*■  I  I    Ji^liWJP* 


»f  iPi,iH» 


THE  LATE  WAR. 

iK'rii-nn  citizonn  M'«re  bnr- 
l  will  be  1,,,,^  before  the 
••oiintry  cnn  Jbrg.-t  tho  de- 
^inclair,  or  the  nmssacren 
irili(>ro.>xi^itod  any  par- 
'n  tlio  pnrt  of  f|,o  Union, 
account  for  it.     When  tho 
of  la.Nt  Imppily  terminated 
Icnco  of  (iuneral  Wnyne, 
n   lTfl4,  concluded  witli 
■  tlmt  wo  might  at  last  in- 
'  our  hearts,  and  live  at 
tly  mistaken,    Ourgrow- 
t  bo  seen  by  her  witijouf 
•  with  France,  the  cany- 
nd8  and  greatly  enriched 
resolved  to  put  a  stop  to 
s  called  tho  nile  of  '36, 
t  period,  in  order  to  em- 
»*erce.     It  wtis  founded 
that  neutr^l8  ought  not 

ofwartoabelligeiant, 
9urse  between  its  diffo- 
ut  it  was  in  reality,  the 
ition  of  the  sovereignty 
owed  up  by  orders  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


9 


council  which  rcatrictod  the  American  commerce, 
anil  exposed  many  of  our  ships  to  capture  and 
condemnation.     Hritain  not  satiHficd  with  thoHO 
violations  of  the  sacred  laws  of  nations,  enta- 
bli«h«<l  11  new  rule  of  blockade:    but  which  ^ho 
aH'actod  to  consider  as  mer«ly  retaliatory;   this 
was  placing  her  enemy's  ports  iu  u  «tute  of  block- 
ade by  mere  proclamation,  end  without  stationmg 
any  etRcicnt  force.     Under  these  and  many  other 
pretexts,  tiio  American  flag  could  only  be  said  to 
float  on  tho  ocean  at  her  will  and  pleasure. 

There  was  anoUior  grievance  which  she  prac- 
tised upon  us,  even  more  insupportable  than  those 
enumerated,     Very  soon  after  our  commercial 
enterprise  began  to  spread  its  wings,  it  was  found 
that  our  seamen  were  exposed  to  be  taken  on  tho 
high  seas,  from  underneath  the  fla-  of  th«r  coun- 
try,  ana  dragged  on  board  the  British  men  of  war, 
where  they  were  compelled  to  servo  lor  years. 
No  Algorine  servitude   could  ho  worse.     Iho 
abuse  was  very  soon  so  severely  felt  as  to  be- 
come a  cause  of  indignant  remonstrance  on  the 
part  of  President  Washington,  and  afterwards  of 
every  .uccessive  statesman,  to  whom  was  e^t.  list- 
cd  the  safety  of  the  commonwealth.     I  i»e  British 


10 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


difficulty  of  distinpruishing  btoveeii  her  subjects, 
and  the  citizens  of  this  country.     It  appeared, 
however,  that  very  little  care  was  taken  on  her 
part  to  avoid  tlie  abuses  which  must  necessarily 
result;  for  this  investigation  was  usually  entrust- 
ed to  a  potty  officer,  who  was  either  not  disposed 
or  incapable  of  proceeding  fairly  to  work;    and 
people  of  every  color,  and  of  every  nation,  were 
equBily  liable  to  be  impressed,  or  more  properly 
speaking,  1  idnappcd.     This  distressing  outrage, 
was  the  constant  theme  of  complaint  on  the  part 
of  the  American  go\'ernment;   but  instead  of  re- 
dress we  had  the  mortification  cf  seeing  it  aug- 
mented.    American  ships  on  the  high  s(3us,  were 
sometimes   left  without  a  sufficient  number  of 
men  to  navigate  them,  exposing  the  lives  of  the 
remainder  and  ruining  the  voyage.     Indignities 
not  to  be  borne,  were  lieaped  upon  our  unfortu- 
nate countrynnen;    the  certificates  of  their  na- 
tivity with  which  they  had  provided  themselves, 
a  kind  of  humiliation  to  which  no  other  people 
had  ever  been  exposed,  was  taken  from  them, 
torn  in  pieces  and  scattered  to  the  winds.     To  so 
great  an  extent  had  this  violation  of  all  human 
rights  been  carried,  that  it  was  estimated  that  in 
the  year  1810.  there  were  not  less  than  sevens 


E  LATE  WAR. 

I  bttweeii  her  subjects, 
country.  It  appeared, 
:are  was  taken  on  her 
ivliich  must  necessarily 
on  was  usually  entrust- 
was  either  not  disposed 
ig  fairly  to  work;  and 
1  of  every  nation,  were 
ssed,  or  more  properly 
lis  distressing  outrage, 
f  complaint  on  the  part 
lent;  but  instead  of  re- 
lation cf  seeing  it  aug- 
on  the  high  s(3us,  were 
I  sufficient  number  of 
posing  the  lives  of  the 
e  voyage.  Indignitiss 
iped  upon  our  unfortu- 
Ttificates  of  their  pa-. 
1  provided  themselves, 
vhich  no  other  people 
i'as  takcii  from  them, 
I  to  the  winds.  To  so 
•  iolation  of  all  human 
was  estimated  that  in 
I  not  less  than  sevens 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


11 


thousand  American  seamen  who  had  been  drag- 
ged on  board  the  British  ehips  of  v/ar,  serving 
against  tlieir  will,  and  consequently  in  a  barba- 
rous state  of  slavery.  All  this  was  heightened 
by  the  unparalleled  insolence  of  the  British  naval 
commanders  on  our  waters.  The  patience  of  the 
people  of  this  country  was  almost  exliausted,  when 
the  climax  of  insult  wfts  offered  in  the  attack  on 
the  Chesapeake,  %vhero  five  American  citizens 
were  taken  from  on  board  a  national  vessel,  after 
attacking  the  vessel  in  the  oiost  unexpected  man- 
ner. Finding  at  last,  that  war  would  be  the  in- 
evitable consequence  of  this  wanton  act,  they 
humbled  themselves  so  fur  as  to  offer  a  repara- 
tion, in  the  return  of  the  seamen  to  the  deck  of 
their  ship;  but  this  was  not  done  promptly  and 
magnanimously, but  came  late  and  was  ungracious 
in  its  circumstances. 

This  storm  only  blew  over  that  another  might 
be  fomented.  The  United  States  were  at  this 
epoch,  the  only  neutral  in  the  Christian  world,  all 
other  nations  were  involved  in  war.  France, 
mistress  of  the  land,  and  England  of  the  sea. 
Both  of  these  nations  were  in  the  habit  of  exer- 
cising all  the  privileges  of  war  towards  us,  ae 
far  as  lay  in  their  power,  while  we  were  pursuing 
our  policy  of  peace. 


II  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

What  could  we  now  do?    Tlic  fust  and  sim- 
plest idea  which  suggested  itself,  was  to  stay  at 
home,  where  we  could  be  more  safe  than  in  stir- 
ring abroad  exposed  to  bo  assailed  by  a  tygcr  or 
lion  watching  for  his  prey.    An  embargo  was 
laid:  but  the  experiment  of  some  months,  proved 
that  from  the  great  extent  of  our  sea  coasts,  imd 
the  small  extent  of  our  patriotism,  it  coufd  not  be 
enforced.     It   was  therefore  taken   off,  and   in 
place  of  it  a  law  was  passed  forbidding  all  inter- 
course with  France  and  England.    My  this  means 
wo  were  still  enabled  to  carry  on  some  trade  with 
Spain,  the  West  Indies,  and  the  nations  romid 
the  Baltic.     But  we  were  not  long  in  discovering, 
that  an  escape  from  war  was  inevitable.     Our 
national  character  had  sunk  abroad,  and  appeared 
to  be  sinking  at  home;    and  what  man  or  society 
of  men  ever  prospered,  with  infamy  attached  to 
their  reputations?     The  American  was  ashamed 
to  own  his  country  while  abroad.     Throughout 
the  whole  nation,  the  opinion  was  fast  gainmg 
ground  that  we  must  have  war.     But  against 
which  of  the  belligcrants  should  it  be  waged? 
This  was  the  question.     We  had  abundant  cause 
for  complaint  against  both.     The  vast  fleet  ot 
England  would  drive  our  little   navy  from  the 


^ 


■iJtisi, 


■Tffi"""  "*•",';)»"" 


HE  LATE  WAR. 

do?    The  fust  and  sini- 
!*ted  itself,  was  to  stay  at 
je  more  safe  than  in  stir- 
be  assailed  by  a  tygcr  or 
prey.    An  embargo  was 
t  of  some  months,  proved 
!nt  of  our  sea  coasts,  and 
patriotism,  it  coufd  not  be 
I  e  fore  taken   off,  and   in 
asscd  forbidding  all  inter- 
l  England.    By  this  means 
)  carry  on  some  trade  with 
IS,  and  the  nations  round 
;re  not  long  in  discovering, 
kvar  was  inevitable.     Our 
sunk  abroad,  and  appeared 

and  what  man  or  society 
d,  with  infamy  attached  to 
le  American  was  ashamed 
hile  abroad.     Throughout 

opinion  was  fast  gaining 

have  war.  But  against 
ants  should  it  be  waged? 
1.  We  had  abundant  cause 
;  botli.    The  vast  fleet  of 

our  little   navy  from  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  13 

ocean,  and  lay  our  flourishing  cities  in  ashes. 
With  respect  to  France,  a  war  would  bo  a  mere 
flourish,  for  wc  could  neither  meet  their  forces 
by  land  or  sea,  unless  we  chose  to  thrust  ourselves 
into  the  tygcr's  den.     The  course  adopted  by  the 
administration,  was  perhaps  upon  the  whole  the 
wisest;  that  was,  to  leave  it  to  the  choice  of  the 
belUgerants  themselves.    The  ports  of  the  United 
States  were  therefore  closed  against  both,  but 
would  be  opened  to  that  one  which  would  first  re- 
scind his  obnoxious  decrees  or  orders  in  coimcil, 
and  then  would  come  the  question  of  peace  or 
war.    To  these  fair  and  equitable  terms  England 
acceded;   the  French  minister  formally  and  so- 
Jemnly  declared  to  our  government,  that  the  Berlin 
and  Milan  decrees  were  repealed;  on  this  being 
made  known  to  the  Prince  Regent  and  the  Eng- 
lish cabinet,  they  shuffled  and  quibbled,  and  af- 
fected to  regard  the  evidence  of  the  repeal  on  the 
part  of  the  French  insuflicient     It  was  in  vain  to 
say  that  we,  the  only  persons  really  aflected  or 
exposed  to  injury  by  their  existence,  were  satis- 
fied; they  could  not  be  repealed. 

It  now  became  as  clear  as  the  light,  tbat  no- 
thing fair,  candid  or  honorable,  was  to  be  looked 
for  by  us  from  England.     She  basely  persisted 
15 


"-^•JTjiriiBy  liTTT  r  tr- 


14 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR 


in  the  most  iniquitous  scheme  of  plunder  and  op- 
pression, and  declined  under  every  species  of  sub- 
terfuge, the  numerous  proffers  of  the  American 
government  to  remedy  the  evils  of  impressment 
These  were  not  the  only  causes  of  irritation 
against  Great  Britain.  Besides  coming  in  con- 
tact with  her  on  the  sea,  where  she  harassed  our 
commerce  and  kidutappcd  our  fellow  citizens,  we 
also  came  in  collision  on  the  land.  Our  situation 
with  Franco  was  materially  different,  wo  might 
shun  her  if  we  chose,  but  not  so  with  England, 
for  if  we  withdrew  from  thu  ocean,  she  could  still 
harass  us  in  consequence  of  our  vicinity,  from 
the  influence  of  the  fur  companies  of  the  North 
West,  all  the  Indian  nations  in  that  quarter,  were 
at  their  disposal,  not  excepting  the  nations  which 
resided  withint  he  territorial  limits  of  the  United 
States.  This  influence  was  liable  to  abuse,  and 
in  fact  was  continually  abused;  the  poor  deluded 
creatures  were  wrought  upon  by  presents  and  art- 
ful tales,  became  inimical  to  the  Americans.  An 
Indian  chief  of  uncommon  ability  had  at  this  time 
acquired  the  ascendancy  over  all  the  scattered 
tribes  along  the  lakes,  and  on  the  waters  of  the 
Ohio.  He  had  been  a  fierce  enemy  of  the  whites 
since  the  first  settlement  of  the  country,  and  was 


i 


i 


!^Mi.j  a:jiw<htf«jaaB'a's^v 


THE  LATE  WAR. 

scheme  of  plunder  and  op- 
mder  every  species  of  sub- 
proffers  of  the  American 
■  the  evils  of  impressment 
e  only  causes  of  irritation 
Besides  coming  in  con- 
a,  where  she  harassed  our 
>cd  our  fellow  citizens,  we 
:)n  the  land.  Our  situation 
erially  different,  we  might 
but  not  so  with  England, 
n  the  ocean,  she  could  still 
ice  of  our  vicinity,  from 
r  companies  of  the  North 
.tions  in  that  quarter,  were 
xcepting  the  nations  which 
torial  limits  of  tlic  United 
3  was  liable  to  abuse,  and 
abused;  the  poor  deluded 
t  upon  by  presents  and  art- 
cal  to  the  Americans.  An 
non  ability  had  at  this  time 
icy  over  all  the  scattered 
,  and  on  the  waters  of  the 
fierce  enemy  of  the  whites 
at  of  the  country,  and  was 


.'i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  15 

one  of  the  most  noted  warriors  that  had  appear- 
ed The  name  of  this  savage  was  Tecumseh, 
who  was  aided  by  an  artful  Indian,  a  kmd  of 
high-priest  or  juggler,  called  the  Prophet,  h.. 
brother.  The  one  appealing  to  superstitious  fears, 
the  other  commanding  respect,  excitmg  awe, 
>Vere  soon  found  to  be  useful  tools  in  the  hand* 

of  the  British.  ^r  -.  a 

Hence,  the  prevailing  wish  through  the  United 
States  of  conquering  Canada;  not  from  any  be. 
nefit  or  advantage,  it  might  be  to  the  human  race. 
But  could  we  possess  Canada,  war  would  be  only 
known  on  the  ocean  and  coast. 

In  the  autumn,  1811,  serious  differences  arose 
between  us  and  the  Indians  on  the  Wabash,  and 
ostensible  causes  of  which,  was  a  purchase  made 
by  Governor  Harrison,  of  a  large  tract  of  land  in 
the  Indiana  territory,  from  the  Indians.     At  a 
treaty  near  Vincennes,  Tecumseh  behaved  in  the 
most  insolent  manner,  and  openly  threatened  to 
dig  up  the  tomahawk  from  under  the  tree  of  peace. 
The  hostile  deportment  of  the  Indians  soon  after 
induced  the  Governor  to  call  to  his  aid  the  4th 
regiment  of  United  States'  infantry,  under  Col. 
Boyd,  and  a  body  of  volunteer  militia  from  Ken- 
tucky,  besides  a  small  body  of  militia  from  Indn 


«W««>" 


16 


HISTORY  OF  THR  LATE  WAR. 


ana.    With  these  he  proceeded  up  the  Wahash 
with  the  intention  of  building  a  fort  near  the  Pro- 
phet's town,  near  a  branch  of  the  Wabash  called 
Tippecanoe,  since  become  famous.     On  his  ar- 
rival he  was  mot  by  the  Prophet,  Winimac,  and 
some  other  chiefs,  who  professed  to  bo  peaceably 
disposed,  requested  him  to  encamp  for  the  day 
and  promised  to  come  the  next  morning  and  hold 
a  council  of  peace.    With  this  request  the  Gov- 
crnor  complied,  unsuspicious  of  their  treachery. 
Towards  morning,  the  Indians  led  on  by  Wimmac 
suddenly  assailed  the  camp,  having  killed  the 
ccntincls  with  arrows.    They  were  received  with 
great  resolution  but  were  not  repulsed  until  after 
a  bloody  conflict  of  two  hours,  in  which  the 
Americans  lost  upwards  of  180  in  killed  and 
wounded,  among  whom  were  many  valuable  of- 
ficers. .    . 

Colonel  Davies,  one  of  the  first  men  in  Ken- 
tucky, or  perhaps,  in  this  country,  was  among  th& 
slain.  Col.  Boyd  and  the  4th  acquired  much 
honor.  The  loss  of  the  Indians  was  estimated 
at  150.  These  misguided  people  soon  after  sued 
for  peace,  which  was  granted.  But  through  the 
instigation  of  the  British,  the  Prophet  and  Te- 
eumseh  soon  after  renewed  liostilities,  by  murder- 


^**»««w*«*('S«sstiSi»isfcseto>«eSBS^s^^ 


F,  LATE  WAR. 

cceded  up  the  Wabash 
ing  a  fort  near  the  Pro- 
h  of  the  Wabash  called 
le  famous.  On  his  ar- 
Prophet,  Winimac,  and 
•ofessed  to  be  peaceably 
to  encamp  for  the  day 
3  next  morning  and  hold 
;h  this  request  the  Gov- 
;iou8  of  their  treachery, 
dians  led  on  by  Winimac 
amp,  having  killed  the 
riiey  were  received  with 
3  not  repulsed  until  after 
,0  hours,  in  which  the 
g  of  180  in  killed  and 
were  many  valuable  of- 

of  the  first  men  in  Ken- 
i  country,  was  among  th& 
the  4th  acquired  much 
B  Indians  was  estimated 
ed  people  soon  after  sued 
ranted.  But  through  the 
sh,  the  Prophet  and  Ta- 
red hostilities,  by  murder- 


1U9T0RY  OF  THE  KATE  WAIt. 


r 


ing  several  nimilios  on  fao  fronUers  The  war 
which  was  about  to  break  forth  m  tins  quarter, 
poon  after  n.cged  into  more  important  events,- 
and  which  it  iH  the  business  of  the  present  nar- 
rative to  detail.  ,,.  „^ 


Declaration  of  War-State  of  the  Country. 


The  Twelfth  Congress  continued  in  session 
lone  beyond  the  usual  time  of  adjournment,  m 
conscqu'ence  of  the  crisis  which  was  thought  to 
be  approaching.     On  the  5th  of  June,  1812,  Pre- 
Bident  Madison  laid  before  Congress  the  corre- 
spondence of  our  Charge  d' Affaires  in  London 
with  the  British  government,  which  put  an  end 
to  all  hope  of  the  repeal  of  the  Orders  in  Coun- 
cil.    Every  attempt  to  arrange  the  matter  of  im- 
pressment  bad  also  failed.     In  the  opinion  of  the 
President,  there  appeared  to  be  no  possible  mea- 
sure left  for  us  to  pursue,  but  a  Declaration  ot 

War.  .  ^ 

This  being  referred  to  the  Committee  of  l-o- 
leign  Relations,  they  drew  up  an  able  Report  in 
which  a  full  view  was  taken  of  all  our  causes  ol 
B'2 


18 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


complaint  against  (Jrcat  Britain,  and  they  con- 
curred fully  in  the  opinion  of  the  President,  that 
nothing  was  left  but  an  appeal  to  arms. 

After  sitting  several  days  with  closed  doors, 
the  important  appeal  was  announced  on  the  18th 
of  June,  and  the  next  day  war  was  formally  pro- 
claimed. 

For  thirty  years  our  favored  and  happy  coun- 
try had  smiled  beneath  the  blessings  of  peace 
and  prosperity.  With  the  exception  indeed,  of 
the  distant  Algerine  war  and  the  occasional  hos- 
tilities on  the  remote  frontier.  It  was  our  first 
national  war  since  the  declaration  of  inde{)en- 
dence,  and  with  the  nation  from  whom  our  Inde- 
pendence had  been  won.  We  considered  tho 
appeal  to  arms  inevitable;  we  confided  to  tho 
justice  of  our  cause,  and  trusted  to  heaven  for  its 
issue. 

The  means  provided  for  carrying  on  a  contest 
with  one  of  the  most  powerful  nations  on  tho 
globe  were  extremely  slender.  Our  army  did  not 
exceed  5000  men,  and  those  distributed  over  a 
surface  of  several  thousand  miles.  A  law  had 
passed  for  the  purpose  of  ctdarging  it  lo  25,000 
men;  but  little  or  no  progress  had  been  nuide  in 
enlistment.     Our  navy  consisted  of  a  few  frigates 


E  LATE  WAR. 

Britain,  and  they  con- 
I  of  the  President,  that 
jpeal  to  arms. 
ays  with  closed  doors, 
announced  on  the  18th 
r  war  was  formally  pro- 

ivored  and  hnppy  coun- 
the  blessings  of  peace 
e  exception  indeed,  of 
ind  the  occasional  lios- 
iticr.  It  was  our  first 
declaration  of  indei)en- 
n  from  whom  our  Inde- 
1.  We  considered  the 
Ic;  wo  confided  to  the 
trusted  to  heaven  for  its 

>r  carrying  on  a  contest 
jwcrful  nations  on  the 
ider.  Our  army  did  not 
liose  distributed  over  a 
md  miles.  A  law  had 
r  enlarging  it  to  25,000 
ire(?s  had  been  made  in 
insisted  of  a  few  Irigates 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


19 


J 


n«,  vf  sscls  of  war,  not  more  than  thirty 
.„  number  whue  ,o„morcial  towns 

thousand  8h.ps.i«rg  fortified,  although  for 
:Z  ;«  re',  onrd'erablepains  had  been  takento 
Jnr^fv Tern  We  had  no  overflowing  treasury  to 
tnL  the  abundant  means  of  creating  the  ne- 
crsa^  force  and  supplies;   and  the  Amencan 

iA„,l  been  burthcned  with  no  taxes. 
^'J    at  m'n  had  laughed  at  the  idea  of  our 
t  war    our  confederation,  which  she  called 

s;:=Sr:^ir;rXie^a"i;.r. 

,?  It  Sef  » the  subjects  of  her  continued  jests; 
'nh    bifs  of  St     ed  bunting,"  as  she  called  our 

;     •o':r  flig,  no^  resident  ^fj^l^^l 
freedom,  would  soon  disappear  from  the  ocean 
But  Providence  has  decreed,  that  the  keenes 
r^^inttntsshalleverattendtheboastW 

^'^'Sltrericans  looked  to  Canada  as  the  vd- 
nelbL  part  of  Great  Britain,  ^^'f -r  mtnn- 
sfc  value  this  province  might  be  to  her,  prido  at 
rastwoul  render  it  an  object  worth  contendmg 
fof'  To  us,  it  could  be  only  of  advantage  as  the 


90 


HISTORY  OF  TIIF,  LATE  WAR. 


mnnnn  of  compelling  her  to  a  speedy  i)cncc,  nnd 
ijccurinj;  our  IVonticrs  iiftaiiiHt  tlic  murderous  la- 
diiiiiH. 

We  were  already  at  war  with  the  iNortli  West- 
ern Indians,  wucli  troops  as  we  could  spare  had 
hccn  ordered  to  tiie  frontier,  with  the  donhle  view 
of  putting;  an  end  to  those  hostilities,  and  to  bo 
in  the  hust  situation  I'or  striking  a  hlow  at  Canada. 
It  was  well  Known  that  there  were  no  great  prc-> 
pnrations  on  the  side  of  tho  l)ritiMh,*and  it  was 
natural  to  suppose,  that  hy  a  prompt  and  vigorous 
attack  ou  the  unprotected  i)rovinces,  wc  nlioidd 
be  masters  of  the  whole  country  from  Niagara 
upwards.     This  would  elTertually  cut  oft"  all  hopo 
of  aid  to  the  British  from  the  Indians,  and  would 
enable  us  to  concentrate  our  forces  on  Lake  On- 
tario, by  which  nieans,  with  the  aid  of  the  regu- 
lar troojis  in  that  ipiarter,  and  the  militia  of  New 
York,  IVmisylvania  and  Vermont,  lJpi)er  Canada 
woidd  fall  in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  and  ir, 
the  spring  we  might  successfully  advance  against 
Quebec. 


LATE  WAR. 

I  a  upccdy  ])C(icc,  nm\ 
iiHt  tlio  nmrilcrouM  In- 

witli  tho  North  Wcst- 
•i  \vc  conUl  HjMiro  hnd 
,  with  the  «loiiblcvlcw 
:  hoHtilitics,  nnd  to  bo 
liiif;  a  blow  at  Cniiadu. 
10  were  no  great  pro- 

0  Uritish/aiul  it  was 

1  prompt  and  vigorous 
provinces,  we  shoukl 

:ouutiy  from  Niagara 
ctually  cut  oft"  all  hope 
he  IndianK,  and  would 
ir  forccH  on  Lake  On- 
h  the  aid  of  the  rcgu- 
and  tlie  niihtia  of  New 
crinont,  lipp<!r  Canada 
*  a  few  months,  and  ir. 
isfully  advance  against 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  21 

Inramn  of  Canada  by  General  IIuU--Battk,  of 
Brownatown  and   Maguaga    jh" 
Canada-British  invasion  and  stirrcndcr   of 

IMl  .^     , 

Hutt,  tho  Governor  of  the  Michigan  terntory, 
«ho  hai  been  a  diHtingulshcd  officer  dur.ng  the 

dier  in  the  service  of  tho  Un«  ed  »tai 

hi.  march  to  Detroit,  the  ^I'l^*  f  „^ ' V^;"' ^ 
nt  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of  war.     ui 
te  consisted  of  about  two  thousand  men  n.a^ 
Iv  one  half  regulars,  tho  remainder  volunteers 
'.Jomthe  state'of  Ohio,  and  well  s^pphod    -U    . 
.h«  necessary  mun  tions  of  war.     On  reacnu  b 

the  principal  part  of  his  baggage,  that  h«  ■"»«" 

intelliKence  of  the  formal  declaration.    The  Bri 
mieingcu^''  settlements  along 

tish,  in  consequence  o   ^'*®''  7' ^-^  couriers, 
the  Lake,  and  the  employment  of  «^^  '^J""" 
had  been  able  to  convey  tho  'nJormation  sever^ 
days  before  it  reached  the  American  post-.  From 


22  HISTORY  or  Tin;  I.ATK  WAR. 

the  nnturo  of  o.ir  poveruineiit,  tliorc  is  no  poBfi- 
bility  ..f  knowing  will.  ccrUu.ily.  ll.o  ox.ict  t.mo 
of  u,.r  nuikin-  w»r,  until  itH  u.Hml  .loclHr.vt.on. 
Ihi!  nr.itiHl.  l.a.l,  lluTotl.iv,  ul.....Ht  an  curly  intoUi- 
ccice  of  it  UH  our  rxocutivo.  It  i«  ulso  suul,  that 
tho  An.orican  inc.HHcu>:or,  wuh  Hou.owhut  detain- 
ed by  an  uiilorMonu  ucciilcnt. 

T\w  arrival  of  Hull  wuh  little  more  than  in 
time  to  Nave  Detroit,  whid,  the  llritish  wore  on 
the  point  of  attackinR.     A  few  well  directed  B.ot, 
ron'ocllod  then,  to  aban.lon  the  works  which  they 
had  erected  on  tho  opposite  Bide  of  the  river. 
Hull   who  ha<l  discretionary  i.owcr  to  act  otlcn- 
givcly,  rcBolvcd  to  possuH^  hiiusclf  of  the  Hritwh 
post  on  tho  opposite  n.do  of  the  river,  by  which 
meann,  ho  wo.dd  .it  once  end  the  lu.luin  war,  and 
cutotfall  con.municutionwith  tho  ^orth  West 
cstabliHhmeutH,  ixnd  the  lower  Provinces.     The 
American  garrisons  and  forts  on  the   W  abash, 
MisHissippi,  Lakes,  tec.  would  in  Mich  event,  bo 
completely  protected.     By  obtaining  a  firm  foot- 
ing  in  this  countiy,  another  obj.ct  would  also  bo 
«ccurod;  the  i..hubitant«,  chiefly  em.grantH  from 
the  United  States,  would  be  induced  to  join  the 
American  standard,  and  facilitate  the  active  con- 
queut  of  the  country.  .^ 


u 


|,ATK  WAR. 

lit,  tliore  is  no  poBni- 
uitily,  till!  •'Xin-t  '""0 
iH  iKliiiil  ilecliiriition? 
liiioMl  us  curly  inlolli- 
.  It  in  iilso  Huid,  that 
vuH  Houiowhut  (lotuin- 

t. 

H  little  more  tlmn  in 
h  the  llritish  werto  on 
lew  well  directed  eliot, 
\  the  works  which  they 
qto  Bide  of  the  river, 
iry  |)()wcr  to  net  oflcn- 
tliimsilfol' the  liritiwh 
of  the  river,  by  which 
fnd  the  Indian  war,  and 
I  with  the  North  West 
ower  Provinces.     The 
forts  on  the   Wabash, 
rtould  in  f^iich  event,  bo 
;y  obtuining  a  firm  foot- 
icr  object  would  also  bo 
thietiy  emigrants  from 
ilbc  induced  to  join  the 
facilitate  the  active  con- 


HISTORY  OV  Tl  I H  L AT  V.  W  A  It  '-23 

On  the    latli  of  Jnly,  llnll  wit!.  »h  .  |>rincii.nl 
part  of  his  fuiv. «,  cro>«cd  ll.o   river,  and  aller  ii 
feeble  ..(.poMlioM,  took  posnession  ol  t<aiulwirli. 
Hero   ho   issue  I   a   |.r..<  laniiition,  in  whirl,  bo 
stated  bin  forc.>  to  be  Milli.  iuil  to  "b.oU  .loun  all 
opposition,"  tlnvatenint;  dentruetion  without  mer- 
cy  to  all  who  bbould  be  foiuul  fi;;btinn  by  lii.^  m.Io 
of  an  Indian,  and  olU  rin«  protection  to  ihc  ii.ba- 
bitunts  who  would  join  hi:,  standard.     Ih.t  this 
proclamation  was  followed  up  by  no  prompt  and 
vigorous  mcuHures  against  iIuj   Urit.sli  s'lnison, 
which  at  thi^  linio  was  i:i  no  ton.lition  to   resist 
a  vigorous  assault.     Ilo  contented  himself  with 
detarhint;  Colonels  Cass  and   M'Arthur,  to  take 
possession  of  ihw  country  alon^'  the  river  Thaiue.'i, 
Imd  l.)ilered  awav  his  time  in  useless  .lurnushos. 
A  sharp  skinni.«h  took  place  a  f.w  da>s  alter  the 
landinfi,  at  the  river  Aiix  Canara^  witli  a  party 
of  the  enemy  stationed  to  fzuard  the  bridges  which 
crossed  the  river  on  the  road  to  Maiden.      Iho 
cnemv  was  coiu[,elled  to  retire,  with  the  loss  ol 
cloven  killed  and  wounded;  but  the  passa-c  np- 
pcared  to  be  f-aiuod,  with  no  other  view  tlmnbo- 
iuj.'  immediately  nbandored. 

Hull  now  eonehule.l  thai  Maiden  could  not  be 
taken  without  heavy  lulillery,  and  a  regular  Biege, 


\ 


1 


^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


U„i,ed  S.a.»,  -JS'"„VSd:„  .hov»t 
advantages  wnicn  „onfidcnce  of  his  own 

troops,  by  his  want  ^^^  ^^^^  ^.^^^^^ 

^  '  command.    J^  aPP^^^  ^^^  i„  a  subordmatc 

,      superannuated,  or  tn^Y,  „„ ,vis  no  iust criterion 
1-     BtaUonduringtherevolutonwasno^J_^.^^  ^^^^^^ 

\'  "^  ""'  ?  B^w^ot-  -n  of  talents  was 
<5g  General  ^f*®^.^  .  ^^^^  of  adversary  he  had 
\    not  long  in  knowing  the  ku^d      ^^^^  i,,„,i,e 

•^    to  deal  with,  and  from  bem  superiority 

V^'  hat  he  could  not  ;-«f  ,^;if;^f  ^eive  hope 
of  the  American  -^«J^^^^^^^^^^^  the  incapacity 
of  being  able  to  take  -^^^\f  ^^s  of  regu- 

of  the  American,  he  threw  ^^8  J  ^^^f  Te- 
lars  and  Indians  "-f  ^  ^^  f  ^^  state  of  Ohio 
cumseh,  on  the  ^oad  between  ^  American  sup- 
and  Detroit,  so  as  to  ^»t«^^;P'\„^  ^^^  attention 


LATE  WAR. 
,out  making  propara- 
prcceded  the  invasion. 
ts  figuring  away  in  the 
day  was  expected  to 
n,T  of  Maiden,  the  vast 

le^cessarily  follow,  this 
e  confidence  of  his  own 
vision  and  incapacity  for 
.at  he  had  either  become 
,  merit  in  a  subordinate 
ion  was  no  just  criterion 

r  The  British  officer, 
«  a  man  of  talents,  was 
kind  of  adversary  he  had 

3in.T  at  first  apprehensive 
and  the  great  superiority 

began  to  conceive  hope 
vantage  of  the  incapacity 

,rew  light  parties  of  regu- 
the  celebrated  chief  Te- 
,etween  the  state  of  Ohio 
itercept  the  American  sup- 
,elledto  turn  his  attention 
nmunication,  while  the  pre- 

of  Maiden,  advanced  at  a 
not  uutiltheUt  of  August, 


HISTORY  OF  THK  LATE  WAR. 


25 


that  two  twentv-four  pounders  and  three  how.U 
zcrs  were  mounted  and  even  then  he  appeared  at 
a  loss  what  to  do  with  them.     Dangers  and  d.lh- 
.ullics  appeared  every  moment  to  thicken  around 
hi.n-  on  the  2:3.1  of  July,  he  received  intclhgencc 
that   Michilimakinac,   had   surrendered    to   the 
British.      Lieutenant  Hanks,   who  commanded 
this  important  fortress,  was  suddenly  encompass- 
ed by  a  body  of  the  enemy,  and  a  great  number 
of  the  Indians,  which  to  him  was  the  first  intima- 
tion of  hostilities.     As  it  was  in  vain  to  contend 
against  so  great  a  superiority  of  force  he  was 
compelled  to  capitulate.  There  bemg  nothing  now 
to  keep  the  Indians  in  check,  and  the  men  in  the 
service  of  the  North  Western  Fur  Company  bemg 
collected,  a  considerable  reinforcement  might  be 
expected  bv  the  British  General.     Hull  alarmed 
at  this  danger  of  his  situation  which  was  greatly 
augmented  by  his  fears,  dispatched  a  messenger 
for  assistance  to  tlic  Governoi-  of  Ohio,  and  to 
Gen.  Hull,  commanding  at  Niagara.     The  aston- 
ishment excited  bv  this  news  was  universal;  Uio 
morning  which  had  been  so  fair  in  hope,  was  thus 
suddenly  obscured  with  lowering  darkness. 

To  a  man  of  mental  resource,  the  situation 
^va«  not  yet  desperate  ^  The  force  of  Hull  was 


26  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

vastly  superior  to  that  of  the  British;  his  heavy 
cannon  ias  at  last   prepared  and  mounted   on 
flontln.  butteries,  and  t!,e  Amer.can  omcer«  and 
Soulier^  uulul,cc.  an  expectation,  o.  soon  a^^emp  - 
ine   something,  to  merit   the  applause  oi   tlu^ir 
country.     The  day  ^vaB  actually  fixed  tor  the  me- 
ratelattack,  hut  to  the  --P-sdjle  astomsh- 
ment,   and  universal   indi^nat.on  «     the    IraNe 
An^  loans,  orders  were  given  hy  tins  wretched 
^orinde  ,  to  abandon  the  UritiBh  sule   and  re- 
treatto  Detroit.     At  once  every  hope  o    renown 
was  dlhed  from  them,  .md  they  had  be  ore  the.r 
Tyes,  the  hateful  prospect  of  bccommg  the  .com 
of  tl  eir  country,  and  ,he  ridicule  of  Us  ene.mes 
The  British  general  was,  at  the  san.e  tune,  tully 
co'uirmed  in  h.«  opinion  which  he  had  tonned  of 
rlencan  <-ommander.     Hull,  in  Ins  disgrace- 
ful  ret  reat,  abandoned  to  the  mercy  ol  the  Bnt.sh 
(he   lelud  d  inhabitants  who  had  conlKled  m  lu, 

vented  any  further  co-operation  on  the  part  of  the 
cS^aianlwUo  otherwise  might  have  been  m- 
dueed  to  ioin  the  United  States  to  assert  the.r 

'tLt^b^fbre  this,  a  party  had  reached  t^^^ 
•  river  Raisin,  with  additional  supplh^s  for  tue  Amo- 


ATE  WAR. 

British;  his  heavy 
A  and  mounted   on 
ineritan  officers  and 
ion,  of  soon  attcmpt- 
e  iijiplause  of  their 
fUly  fixed  for  the  me- 
jxpressible  astonish- 
uition  of  the    hrave 
vcu  by  this  wretched 
British  side,  and  re- 
very  hope  of  renown 
they  had  before  their 
,f  becoming  the  scorn 
idicule  of  its  enemies. 
It  tlic  same  time,  fully 
}iich  he  had  formed  of 
Hull,  in  his  disgrace- 
te  mercy  of  the  British 
ho  hod  confuled  in  his 
o;i,  and  elfectively  pre- 
ation  on  the  part  of  the 
i  might  have  been  in- 
l  States  to  assert  their 

party  had  reached  the 
lal  suppli'fl for  t'»«^  ^^'"''" 


tw^^  y^^^ 


^i-- 


s-STKf-fr'^;?^" 


HISTORY  OP  THE  I.ATE  WAR. 


a7 


ricancamp,  under  captain  Bush;  but  in  conse- 
quence  of  the  road  being  infested  by  Indians, 
were  obliged  to  halt,  and  wait  until  escorted  by  a 
sufficient  force.  A  detachment  of  1 50  men  were 
despatched  nn.lcr  Major  Vaiihoru,  who  was  at-^ 
tacked  near  Brownstown,  by  a  superior  lorcc  ot 
the  enemv,  and  allor  a  severe  contest,  were  obli- 
ged to  vetront  with  ti.e  loss  of  10  killed  and  wound- 
ed;  of  the  former.  <aptains  Gilcrea^e,  McLul- 
luch,  and  Bolster,  of  the  latter,  captain  Ulry. 

On  the  return  of  this  party,  it  was  deemed  an 
object  of  serious  <;on.se(iucucc  to  make  an  ef.art 
to  clear  the  road.     While  the  enemy,  %vcll  know- 
ing that  another  attempt  would  soon  be  made, 
posted  a  much  larger  force  of  regulars  and   ia- 
diaiw,  at  a  place  called  iSlaguagu,  in  advance  of 
the  former  8cene  of  action.     Foi-  this  service, 
which  had  now  become  of  the  first  importance, 
the  American  general  selected  the  veteran  Col 
Miller  with  'oMb  regulars  <.f  the  4th  regiment,  and 
about  200  militia.     On  the  9th  of  August,  the 
dav  after  Hull  had  evacuated  tiie  British  territory, 
the  gallant  Miller,  although  advancing  with  great 
caution,  was  attacked  by  the  enemy  from  an  am- 
buscade.     His   advance    guard,   under  captain 
Snelling,  was  suddenly  encompassed  on  all  sides 


i?  -^ 


m  ' 


28  HISTORY  OF  TlIK  LATE  WAR. 

by  Indians  and  British,  but  he  lioptthem  off  until 
succored  by  the  main  body.     An  animated  action 
took  place;  after  keeping  up  a  warm  fire  lor  some 
time,  Colonel  Miller  ordered  a  charge  upon  the 
British  Regulars,  who  fought  under  cover  ot  « 
breast-work  of  log.  and  trees.     They  were  .m- 
mediately  routed;  but  the  Indians  m  the  woodj 
under  Tecumsch,  maintained  the  contest  for  some 
time  longer.     The  enemy  was  finally  compelled 
to  retire,  and  were  driven  to  their  boats  in  winch 
,hey  precipitately  embarked.     The  American  loss 
in  this  affair  was  15  killed  and  50  wounded;  that 
of  the  British  about  the  fiame.     The  Americans 
were  so  much  fatigued  by  this  action,  winch  last- 
ed three  hours,  that  they  halted  on  the  ground, 
and  the  next  day,  received  orders  from  Hull  to 
return  to  Detroit.     It  had  been  resolved  to  open 
a  communication  with  Captain  Bush  through  the 
woods,  and  for  this  purpose  Colonels  Cass  and 
Miller  were  detached  with  a  strong  detachment 

of  400  men.  ,    ,         ,     , 

By  this  time  the  British  general  had  resolved 
upon  the  bold  attempt  of  invading  the  Amor.can 
side,  and  attacktng  Hull.  He  took  a  pos.t.on 
opposite  Detroit,  and  on  the  15th.  sent  over  a  flag, 
demanding  in  form  the  surrender  of  the  Amer.. 


I 


-^j^jrVH  i^w", J'  ,1  ? '  ' "  " 


iTE  WAK. 

;  kept  them  ofl' until 
An  animatetl  action 
,  warm  fire  for  some 

a  chnrge  upon  tlie 
t  under  cover  of  a 
IS.  They  were  im- 
idians  in  the  woodf^ 
the  contest  for  some 
as  finally  compelled 
their  boats  in  which 

The  American  loss 
nd  50  wounded;  that 
ne.  The  Americans 
is  action,  which  last- 
ilted  on  the  ground, 
orders  from  Hull  to 
een  resolved  to  open 
lin  Bush  through  the 
B  Colonels  Cass  and 
a  strong  detachment 

general  had  resolved 
ivading  the  American 
Ho  took  a  position 
1 15th,  sent  over  a  flag, 
rrendcv  of  the  Ameri- 


H19T0RY  OF  TllE  LATE  WAR.  29 

can  garrison,  in  which  ho  magnified  his  force  in 
regulars  and  Indians,  in  the  most  frightful  man- 
ner     Hull  rolurncd,  however,  for  answer,  that 
the  place  would  be  defended  to  the  last  extre- 
mity- ,.  1       „c 
The  next  day  the  enemy  v  ere  discovered  cross- 
ing the  river  for  the  i>urposc  of  attachng  (ho 
fort.     Hull,  the  evening  before  had  sent  lo  recnil 
by  forced  marches,  the  detachment  under  Miller 
and  Cass.     No  pre])nrutions  wore  made  by  lum 
'to  oppose  the  landin.  of  the  British  troops,  but 
the  Americans  were  so  disposed  belund  the  pu  k- 
cting  and  fences  of  the  village,  and  in  the  fort 
as  to  annoy  their  advance.     On  an  eminence,  two 
twcnty.four  pounders  charged  with  grape,  were 
posted  in  a  situation  to  sweep  the  advancing 
columns  of  the  invader;  add  to  to  this  the  detach- 
ment out  on  duty  might  be  expected  to  arnvc  m 
time   to  partake  of  the  action,  and  assail  the 
enemy  in  the  rear.     At  ten  o'clock,  the  Bnt.sh 
force',  about  700  strong,  and  some  skulking  In- 
dians, were  sepn  to  advance  in  the  direction  in 
which  they  would  meet  certain  destruction;  wlioii 
suddenly,  and  without  the  slightest  cause,  the 
American  commander  gave  orders  for  the  troops 
to  abandon  their  positions,  and  betake  themselves 
0  3 


30  mSTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.      • 

to  the  fort,  while  the  oincers  commanding  the 
heavy  artillery  were  enjoined  not  to  fire.     In  the 
midst  of  this  strange  suspense,  the  British  stui 
continued  slowly  and  cautiously  to  advance.    1  he 
American  general  seemed  to  have  lost  all  pre- 
sence of  mind,  and  to  have  heen  under  the  mflu- 
encc  of  the  most  unaccountahlc  panic.     In  this 
state  of  aflairs,  he  ordered  a  white  flagto  bcsus- 
pcndcd  from  the  fort  in  token  of  submission.     A 
British  officer  who  rode  up  to  ascertain  the  cause, 
could  hardly  believe  it  until  the  capitulation  was 
made     The  astonishment  and  mortification  ot 
the  Americans  at  being  thus  surrendered,  can  only 
be  imagined,  and  was  only  equalled  by  the  grief 
which  overspread  their  country  when  it  came  to 
be  made  known.  , 

The  British  were  put  in  the  possession  ot  the 
whole  province,  with  all  the  public  Jores  and 
arms,  among  which  were  several  trophies  of  he 
revolution.  The  American  general  was  alte  - 
wards  tried,  and  condemned  to  suffer  death,  but 
in  consequence  of.  his  advanced  years,  and  hm 
revolutionary  services,  he  was  pardoned. 


* 


FE  WAR.      • 

commanding  the 
lot  to  fire.  In  the 
e,  the  British  8tiU 
\f  to  advance.    The 

have  lost  all  prc- 
!en  under  the  influ- 
)lc  panic.     In  this 
liite  flag  to  be  sus- 
of  submission.     A 
iscertain  the  cause, 
le  capitulation  vras 
id  mortification  of 
irrendered,  can  only 
quailed  by  the  grief 
ry  when  it  came  to 

le  possession  of  the 
!  public  stores  and 
reval  trophies  of  ♦he 
general  was  alter- 
to  suffer  death,  but 
need  years,  and  his 
as  pardoned. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 
CHAPTER  IV. 


m 


Naval  Jiffairs-Capture  of  the  Gnrrkrc-Naval: 
Victories. 

No  sooner  was  the  war  declared,  than  our  little 
nZ,  "gallant  trim,  issued  in  separate  sh.ps  or 
smalUnuadrons,  from  the  different  ports,  and  a 
:„1red  privatee-  soon  after  darted  upon  the  oo. 
The  national  chagrin  had  scarcely  worn  off,  when 
the  general  attention  was  directed  towards  the 
ocean  twos  not  long  before  the  tr.dent  was 
torn  from  the  grasp  of  Britannia,  and  the  red 
cr^JZ  at  the  feet  of  the  victorious  Amonca 

Com  Rodgers  put  to  sea  in  June,  and  steered 

in  pur'uifo   the  West  India  convoy;  whde  thus 

eXeJ,  he  gave  chase  to  the  Belvidera  a  Br.t«h 

Ttlt     caving  his  squadron  in  the  rear.     But 

heCm    ::S  a  fasti  sailer,  and^^^avin^^  .he. 

Xi:,i":dar:a3le  of  three  months,  by 

whSi  the  return  of  the  American  commerce  wa« 
::itSSarrived  at  Boston  with  several 

prizes.  iH 


33 


inSTORY  OF  THE  LATK  WAR. 


The  E'^scx  and  ntlicr  national  vcssrls  sailed 
about  the  sume  tiinc.  The  Constitution,  captain 
Hull,  was  chnseil  for  two  <lii\s,  but  thioufrb  oon- 
snmmatcd  scr.mnnsliii)  of  this  commamlcr  whe  ch- 

caped. 

These  events  pioparod  tlio  public  for  some- 
thing of  a  splendid  clmraclor,  but  the  occurrence 
which  )-oon  after  took  place,  far  tranisccnded  our 
most  santtuinc  hopes.     In  tlio  skill  and  pallantry 
of  our  niival  commanders,  the  nation  reposed  the 
highest  confidence,  but  they  imd  not  yet  been 
matched  with  the  boasted  lords  of  the  seas.    The 
British  looked  to  victory  as  the  boasted  lords  of 
the  seas.     The  British  looked  to  victory  with  the 
confidence  of  a  people  habituated  to  conquer. 
They  seemed  to  have  no  other  wiwh  than  to  pre- 
vail on  the  Americans  to  meet  them.     Better  for 
them  that  meet  ing  had  never  taken  place.     The 
fiuerriere,  one  of  the  fuiest  fritrates  that  ever 
sailed    upon    the    ocean,    vaunt ingly   displayed 
her  pendant  with  a  variety  of  iusvdting  mottos, 
before  the  American  harbors.     Her  commodore 
began  to  fear  that  no  foe  could  be  found  suffi- 
cie'ntly  bold  to  encounter  him.     On  the  memora- 
ble 19th  of  September,  the  Constitution  hove  in 
sight;   with  satisfaction  the   Briton  behold   her 


b( 
a 

9' 
fi 


''^Mmmmm^-^ms$sm:&' 


:-'*r^r 


TE  WAR. 

>nal  vessels  «ailc(J 
Dnstitution,  captain 
s,  hv\  tlnoiifrli  eoii- 
conunumlcr  slie  ch- 

^  pulilic  for  somc- 
l)Mt  the  occurrence 
I'ar  transcended  our 
skill  and  pallantry 
nation  reposed  the 
had  not  yet  been 
Is  of  the  seas.    Tlio 
he  boasted  lords  of 
1  to  victory  with  the 
itnated  to  conquer. 
er  wiwh  than  to  pre- 
ct  them.     Better  for 
r  taken  place.     The 
t  fritrates  that  ever 
aunlingly   displayed 
of  insulting  mottos, 
s.     Her  commodore 
ould  be  found  suffi- 
n.     On  the  memora- 
Constitution  hove  in 
Briton  beheld   her 


IllSTOUY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


33 


bearing  dosvn,  and  backed  his  topsails  to  wait  her 
.pproad..    i'or  some  time,  they  tried  each  other  s 
:S^lnavalmanc.uvreing,bntthe     Ju^^^^^^^^^^ 
finding  that  nothing  wasto  he  ga.ned  m   his  jay 
poured  out  her  broadsides.     Ureat  was  her  won- 
lor  t<.  find  then,  not  returned.     Several  ot  Hull  s 
,  rave  fellows  had  tidlen.     'I'he  souls  of  tl.c  Ame- 
iX       re  on  fire;  s.iU  they  patiently  wa.ted.he 
"cL  of  their  commander.     That ;—  Preg- 
nant  with  bo  much  glory  to  themselves  and  the  r 
country,  rame  at  lust,      ^^aihng-mastcr  Aylw.n 
hTadvarably  seconded  the  views  of  the  com- 
Llder,  and  orders  were  given  to  f- broad,  e 
naer  broadside  in  quick  succession.     The  work 
tL  done  as  if  by  the  thunderbolts  ol  Jove.      a 
;\  een  minutes  the  proud  frigate  was  a  wrec  ;- 
fifteen  more  her  flag  came  down,  and  t  '«;«r' ,. 
.as  on  the  point  of  sinking.     ''Free  trad    and 
sailor's  right".,"  triumphed  over  the  tyrants  oJ 

'Xttwasthedinproportionbetween  the  Willed 
„„d  wounded  of  the  adverse  fr.gates  The  Gu^^^^^ 
riere  had  15  killed  and  60  wounded;  the  C^nst. 
„,ion,7  kiUedand  7  wounded.  0"<> ';^ou  "fter 
the  Americaa  would  have  been  ready  to  trv  id  e 
tWluue  of  ar,n.s  with  another  Bnghehmnn.     The 


.._  -.jJ 


■<.Jij|l|IHHUI.,IJIi„ 


-tLiiiyimi.iiy.tii>li  'ia«gf , 


di 


HISTORY  OF  Tlin  LATF.  WAR. 


: 


deportment  of  the  AinoricniiH  to  t)i»>ir  priMonern, 
was  tlio  most  genorouH  iiiul  limniino:  the  prize 
was  burnt  und  blown  up,  it  bcins;  (inito  iinponsible 
to  bring  her  in.  Alfrr  inukinfj  a  I'liw  ciipturcs  tlie 
Constitution  returned  on  the  "iM  of  tik'ptenibcr. 
The  news  of  this  gloriouK  nflair  isj)reii(l  on  the 
wings  of  the  win(!.  Full,  indt  cd,  \vn»  our  re- 
compencc  for  past  misifDrtMiicH.  AM  tlie  circunj- 
stances  of  this  unpuruliolcd  cnnibat  wore  of  tlio 
most  |)]ensing  kind.  As  fomi;  roward  for  tiiifl 
signal  service  to  his  country,  Hull  was  presented 
with  the  freedom  of  all  the  cities  tiirough  whicli 
he -passed  on  his  way  to  the  sea*  of  government, 
and  on  the  meeting  of  Congress,  u  liberal  allow- 
ance made  to  himself  and  his  crew,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  inability  to  bring  the  enemy's  ship 
into  port. 

From  this  time  to  the  close  of  the  war,  the 
American  newspapers  were  filled  with  accounts 
of  naval  exploits  performed  both  in  private  and 
public  armed  vessels.  Captain  Porter,  in  the 
Essex,  in  a  daring  manner  cut  out  a  brig  from  a 
convoy,  and  found  on  board  14,0()0  dollars  in 
specie,  and  150  soldiers.  He  afterwards  cap- 
lured  the  Alert  (which  was  in  search  of  the  Horn- 
et) and  was  on  the  point  of  engaging  a  frigate 


■mi^f!4m!i^^:j.:^"', 


n^itimJk    jf—- 


LATE  WAR 

iiH  to  tlieir  priMonera, 
1  lininuno:  the  prizo 
oin<r(|Mitn  irnpon.xiblR 
iig  II  IViwcnpturf'S  tlie 
10  'i'ld  of  8t'pt(!mbcr. 
nfl'air  sjnead  on  tli« 
indted,  \vn»  our  re- 
CB.  Al!  tlie  fiicum- 
conil)af  wore  of  tlio 
ain<<  roward  for  tlii.i 
,  Hull  was  prosentod 
cities  through  which 
weal  of  povcrnmcnt, 
jress,  II  liberal  uUow- 
liia  crew,  in  oonsc- 
ing  the  enemy's  ship 

lose  of  the  war,  tho 
!  filled  with  accouiit« 
i\  both  in  private  and 
ptuin  Porter,  in  tho 
cut  out  a  brig  from  a 
rd  14,000  dollars  in 
He  afterwards  cap- 
\  search  of  the  Horn- 
if  engaging  a  frigate 


HlriTt)RV  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  M 

when  he  was  separated  by  the  aproach  of  night, 
but  in  the  morning  mIio  had  disappeared. 

The  rresid.Mt   nniled  again  in  October,  and 
capt.ired  the  Untisb  iV.gale  Swallow,  with 200,000 
dollarH  on  boar.l.     The  Argus  which  had  parted 
from  the    mpuidron,  was   uho  fortunate.      She 
captured  several  valuable  prizes,  and  atter  vari- 
ous narrow  escapes,  arrived  at  last  in  safety  at 
New  York,     'riui  gallant  commodore  Decatur, 
in  the  frigate  United  States,  added  another  laurel 
to  those  which  already  graced  his  brow.     On  the 
25th  of  October  be  fell  in  with  the  iVlacedonion, 
Captain  Card,>n,  a  lUitish  frigate  of  tlie  largest 
class.     The  engagement  lasted  two  hours  m  con- 
Bcrpicnce  of  the  roughness  of  the  sea.     The  fire 
of  the  American  was  so  remarkable,  that   the 
cncmv  at  one  moment  thought  her  on  fire.    Licu- 
trnant  Funk  and  Allen  were  highly  distinguished 
in  this  atfair:    the  0,rmer  nnhuppilv  received  a 
mortal  wound.     The  Commodore  safely  reached 
New  York  with  his  prize,  and  was  received  by 
the  a[>plause  of  his  country. 

Another  naval  victory  was  some  time  after  an- 
nounced, won  after  a  "short,  but  to  the  enemy  a 
most  sanguinary  conflict.  Copt.  Jones  of  the 
Wasp,  a  sloop  of  war,  fell  in  with  the  Frolic,  22 


86 


WOTORY  or  THE  l.A'I  ,;  WAR. 


gunn,   Copt.  WhinyatOB,     The  cupcriurily  wnn 
■omewhnt  on  thu  mdc  of  the  Briton.     At  tirwlUio 
chance  nppciiroa  in  his  favor;  the  ri««inK  of  tho 
Waep  hii(i  Buflerod  in  a  gnle  the  tiny  hcforc,  anil 
tho  roughness  of  tho  wntor  prevented  tho  Anieri- 
cone  from  bringing  their  giuw  to  bonr  with  their 
usual  eflects.     Th«  engagement  liiHted  neiirly  an 
hour;  the  vosbcIh  grtuhialiy  nearing  cneh  other 
until  tlio  rammers  touched  their  sides;  the  Frolic 
was  at  length  taken  by  boarding;  in  forty  minuten 
after  they  came  to  close  quartern  tho  AmcricunB 
were  in  possession.     Her  decks  exhibited  a  most 
shocking  spectacle,  her  rigging  had  been  much 
oit  up,  and  both  decks  were  strewed  with  tho 
dead  and  wounded. 

Tho  Americans  on  this  occason,  displiiyed 
their  characteristic  humimity.  The  Iosh  on  Iward 
the  Frolic  was  30  killed  and  50  wounded:  tliat  of 
the  Wasp  was  only  6  killed  and  5  wounded. 
Both  theso  vcfisels  were  some  days  aftcrwardn 
captured  by  tlie  Poictiera  74,  Captain  IJcresford. 
Never  was  any  war  so  \vonderfulIy  successful 
as  that  Avagcd  against  the  Goliath  of  tlio  ocean. 
Tho  first  year  of  tho  war  was  a  continued  scries 
of  naval  victories.     In  a  few  montlis  the  enemy 


\r. 


K\ 


■wwiO.'li    '  • 


1,AT  i;  WAR. 

'I'lio  Hupcriorily  Mn» 
^  Hritoii.     At  rtrwttlio 
ir;  the  riy>;iiiR  of  Hio 
e  the  tiny  hefurc,  iuhI 
prevented  tlio  Aineri- 
11)4  to  bnnr  with  their 
ment  liiHtocI  neiirly  an 
yr  Hearing  each  other 
their  sides;  the  Frohc 
rding;  in  forty  minuter 
iiartcrM  the  AmcricunB 
leckH  exhibited  u  inoHt 
gging  had  been  much 
ero  strewed  with  tlio 

is  occttson,  diispliiycd 
ty.  The  h)SH  on  lu>ar(l 
id  50  wounded:  tliat  of 
illcd  and  5  wounded. 
8omo  days  aftcrwardH 
74,  Captain  Ucrosford. 
\"-onderfulIy  t?iiccc3sful 
GoUath  of  tlio  ocean, 
was  a  continued  soiic» 
few  months  the  enemy 


HISTORY  OP  Tlin  LATE  WAR. 


37 


loit  upwards  of  two  hundred  and  f.fty  merchant. 
voMcli.,  two  of  her  frigatcM  and  i.ov«ral  •mailer 
public  voHHclH.     In  Great  Britain,  the  marvellou. 
docdH,  at  nr»t  diibelievcd,  noon  produced  a  deep 
chagrin  and  even  dinniay.     The  n.ain  pillar  of  her 
strength  wan  torn  uwny.     llnwilling  to  ucknow. 
ledge  the  superiority  of  the  new  enemy  she  sought 
to  deceive  herself  by  the  i.lle  entimates  of  tho 
comparative  force,  un.l  by  tho  invention  of  fan- 
ciod  miHhaps:   had  wo  lived  in  an  ago  of  sup^r- 
stition,  it  would  have  have  been  attributed  to 

magic.  , 

On  tho  Lukes,  those  interior  bcus,  whose  bor- 
dcrfl  arc  destined  to  become  tho  joyful  residence 
of  millions  of  our  fellow  croaturon.  there  appeared 
to  be  an  approaching  naval  8trim«lc.     The  Cale- 
donia and  the  brig  Adams,  lo  ,aed  with  furs,  had 
come  down  the  Lake  early  •  >  October,  and  an- 
chored  under  tho  guns  of  the  Uritish  fort.    Lieut. 
Elliot  of  the  navy,  who  had  some  short  time  be- 
fore arrived  with  a  number  of  our  brave  tars  in 
order  to  provide  a  naval  force,  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, slipped  down  with  some  of  bis  gallant  fel- 
lows, boarded  and  carried  the  two  vessels.     In 
ten  minutes  afterwards  he  was  under  way,  but  the 
Adams  unfortunately  rnn  aground  before  he  could 


36  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

secure  her,  the  other  however,  was  safely  brought 
off,  and  was  found  to  have  on  board  200,000  dol- 
lars worth  of  furs. 


CHAPTER  V. 

B  ffc  of  Qucemtoton— General  Smythe  Miime* 
command-Colonel  Pike's  incursion. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn,  a  considerar- 
blc  force  was  collected  along  the  Niagara,  coit- 
sisting  of  regulars  and  militia,  occupying  the  best 
position  for  foUowuig  up  the  blow  to  be  struck  by 
Hull     The  spirit  of  the  nation  had  recovered 
from  the  mortifying  occurence  already  detailed, 
while  the  success  of  our  navy  had  awakened  m 
the  breast  of  every  American  an  ardent  wish  to 
restore  the  honor  of  Uie  country.    An  iraJident 
vhich  occurred  in  this  quarter  kindled  this  ardor 
to  its  utmost  height,  this  was  the  capture  of  the 
British  vessels  on  the  Lake  which  >«re  have  re- 
lated in  the  last  chapter.  '  The  American  force, 
now  commanded  by  General  Van  Rensselaer,  be- 
sought him  to  lead  them  against  the  enemy.     Un- 
willing to  damp  their  ardor  aftd  at  the  same  tin>« 


¥ 


H 


ATE  WAR. 

-,  was  eafely  brought 

I  board  200,000  dol- 


L  V. 

iral  Smythe  (utwntt 
ike's  incursion. 

autumn,  a  considerar- 
ig  the  Niagara,  coit- 
ia,  occupying  the  best 
J  blow  to  be  struck  by 
lation  had  recovered 
ence  already  detailed, 
avy  had  awakened  in 
lan  an  ardent  wish  to 
country.    An  incident 
irter  kindled  this  ardor 
iras  the  capture  of  the 
lie  which  'we  have  re- 
•  The  American  force* 
al  Van  Rensselaer,  be- 
raunst  the  enemy.     Un- 
r  aftd  at  the  same  tin»« 


M18T0RV  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  ^ 

flattering  himself  with  the  hope  of  being  able  to 
seize  the  opposite  shore,  and  by  that  means  inter- 
cept the  communication  of  the  enemy  above,  as 
well  as  with  the  lower  Provinces,  materially  assist 
the  force  of  the  West  about  to  rally  and  expel  A« 
invaders  of  our  territory. 

Accordingly  on  the  ISth  of  October,  the  corps 
composing  th?  van  of  the  invading  army  consist- 
ing of  tliree  hundre>d  men,  under  Col.  Van  Rans- 
selaer  and  Col.  Christie  with  about  the  same 
number  of  regulars,  a  detachment  of  infantry 
under  iMajor  Mulaney,  and  the  artillery  of  Col. 
Fenwiclj,  made  good  their  landing  in  the  face  of 
the  enemv's  bat.eries,  and  rapidly  storming  the 
enemy's  height,  possessed  themselves  completely 
«f  the  Canada  shore.     The  troops  of  Buffalo  and 
Lewistown  had  been  marched  for  the  purpose  of 
crossing  over  when  this  could  he  eflfected  in  order 
to  secure  what  should  be  gained. 

Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  severely  wound- 
ed, almost  as  soon  as  he  bad  landed;  but  with 
undaunted  firmness  he  still  continued  to  give  or- 
ders. About  the  time  of  crossing,  they  wer» 
joined  by  colonel  Scott,  who  made  a  rapid  march 
with  his  artillery,  in  order  to  share  the  honors  of 
the  day.    The  British  wer«  driven  in  all  dire©- 


'Sife- 


r*!f 


m 


inSTOYU  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


tione,  but  soon  after  returned  with  largo  rein- 
forcements of  regulars  and  Indians,  led  by  Gen. 
Brock  in  person,  nearly  three  times  the  numbers 
of  the  Americans.    This  additional  force  was 
fiercely  withstood,  and  compelled  to  retire  with 
disgrace.    The  British  general,  mortified  at  the 
conduct  of  his  troops,  led  them  a  second  time  to 
the  charge,  but  while  in  the  act  of  urging  them 
on,,  he  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  they  once  more 
gave  way.    It  was  now  four  o'clock,  throe  times 
had  the  foe  been  routed,  all  that  was  requisite  to 
complete  the  business  of  the  day,  was  for  the 
volunteers  on  the  opposite  shore  to  cross  over  and 
reap  the  laurels  which  had  been  won.    The  Ge- 
neral crossed  over  for  this  purpose,  but  what  pen 
can  describe  the  vexation  which  filled  his  heart 
when  he  found  that  they  had  conttitutional  objec- 
tions to  crossing  the  straight!   no  persuasion* 
could  prevail  on  them.    On  one  page  of  this 
affiur  Americans  will  dwell  with  delight,  fiom  the 
next  they  will  turn  with  disgust    The  regulars 
Vid  volunteers  on  the  Canada  side  waited  in  vain 
for  the  aid  of  their  comrades.    The  clouds  of  war 
were  once  more  gathering  around  them.    T%* 
enemy  returned  to  the  combat  goaded  by  shame, 
by  rage,  and  by  the  hope  of  subduing  numbers  to 


rE  WAR. 

with  largo  rein- 
ians,  led  by  Gen. 
lines  the  numbers 
itional  force  was 
led  to  retire  with 
,1,  mortified  at  the 
1  a  second  time  to 
ct  of  urging  them 
nd  they  once  more 
clock,  throe  times 
9,t  was  requisite  to 

day,  was  for  the 
e  to  cross  over  and 
in  won.  The  Ge« 
pose,  but  what  pen 
ich  filled  his  heart 
mttitutional  objec- 
t!  no  persuasions 
one  page  of  this 
h  delight,  fiom  the 
list  The  regulars 
side  waited  in  vain 

The  clouds  of  war 
around  them.  The 
t  goaded  by  shame, 
tbduing  numbers  so 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


41 


inferior.  For  an  hour  the  fight  raged  with  unex- 
ampled fury;  a  lew  of  the  Americans  attempted  a 
retreat  to  their  own  shore,  but  the  greater  part 
were  at  last  compelled  to  yield  to  overwhelming 

numbers. 

The  American  officers  wore  highly  distinguish- 
ed.  (ieneral  Wadsworth,  of  the  volunteers, 
Colonels  Van  Rensselaer,  and  Christie,  were 
much  applauded,  as  also  Cap,taia8.Wool,  Gibson, 
OgiLvie,  Armstrong,  apd  many  others.,  About  6Q 
were  killed,  100  wounded,  and  about.  1000  taken 
prisoners.  The  British  49th  regiment,  called 
•'the  invincibles,"  formed  a  part  of  their  force. 
The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  very  considerable  in 
killed  and  wounded 

On  the  fall  of  Gen.  Brock,  Gen.  SheafTe  suc- 
ceeded tothe  command.  In  many  things  he,  wa« 
wanting  in  regjard  to  the  duties  of  humanity  which 
might  have  been  expected  from  a  generous  enemy. 
He  imposed  no  restrabt  upon  the  savages,  who 
were  permitted  to  practice  their  horrid  treatment 
to  the  dead  and  wounded.  During  the  funeral  of 
General  Brock,  minute  guns  were  fired  fi-oin  the 
American  fort  as  a  testimony  of  respect  for  the 
character  of  a  brave  enemy. 
D2 


? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 
It  was  a  most  unfortunate  circumstance  that 
the  Americans  failed  in  their  attempt  on  the  Cana- 
da Bhore.  It  became  afterwards  the  glorious 
theaire  of  American  valor,  but  had  we  obtained 
poBsesBion,  the  troops  would  have  been  well 
housed  for  the  winter,  and  the  spring  campaign 
would  have  opened  with  results  very  different  to 
those  which  followed. 

In  the  course  of  this  parti-colored  day,  a  can- 
nonade was  kept  up  from  the  forts  and  batteries 
on  the  opposite  sides  of  the  water.  Considerable 
execution  was  done  by  the  AmericanH,  with  com- 
paratively trifling  iigury  by  the  enemy. 

The  command  of  this  force  was  soon  ailer 
resigned  to  General  Smythe,  of  the  United  States 
Army,  an  officer  who  stood  high  as  a  tactician, 
but  who  had  not  shewn  himself  in  the  field.    De- 
sirous of  contrasting  his  talents  with  those  of  his 
predecessor,  he  set  about  miJdng  preparations 
for  a  more  successful  invasion  of  the  Canada 
shore  before  the  close  of  the  season  although  it 
was  now  far  advanced.    On  examining  the  ground 
he  fcncied  that  the  failure  of  the  former  attempt 
was  to  be  attributed  to  the  iiyudicious  selection 
of  the  place  of  landing.    He  first  wsued  a  procla- 
mation calling  on  volunteers  fron*  all  quarters, 


t 


f 


TB  WAR. 

circumstance  that 
tempt  on  the  Cana- 
rards  the  glorious 
it  had  we  obtained 
A  have  been  well 
e  spring  campaign 
Us  very  different  to 

colored  day,  a  can- 
,  forts  and  batteries 
ater.  Considerable 
reiericann,  with  com- 
le  enemy. 

roe  was  80on  ailer 
of  the  United  States 
high  as  a  tactician, 
Elfin  the  field.    De- 
nts with  those  of  his 
m\king  preparations 
sion  of  the  Canada 
le  season  although  it 
ixaniining  the  ground 
f  the  former  attempt 
iiyudicious  selection 
first  WBued  a  procla- 
«  fron\  all  quarters, 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR.  43 

and  on  tho  17th  of  November,  announced  to  the 
army  of  the  centre,  his  intention  of  crossing  mto 
Canada.  It  was  not,  however,  until  the  28th  of 
November,  that  all  things  were  prepared  for  the 
intended  enterprise.  Two  detachments,  one  un- 
der Colonel  Winder,  and  tho  other  under  Colonel 
Boerrstler,  were  to  cross  before  day  to  seize  the 
batteries,  and  keep  them  until  the  mam  body 
should  pass  the  river.  . 

At  three  o'clock  they  got  under  way  in  ten 
boats,  but  on  approaching  the  shore,  they  found 
tho  enemy  apprised,  and  actually  opened  a  fire 
the  whole  length  of  their  batteries.    The  g'^"^*' 
part  of  the  invading  force  was  compelled  to  pu 
Lck,  having  bee-   carried  down  by  the  cumn 
vhich  is  here  exceedingly  rapid.     Two  small 
detachments  alone  efiected  a  landing,  one  under 
Col.  Bcerstlor,  the  other  uuder  Captain  King,  at 
distant  points  from  each  other;   but  making  a 
bold  assault,  and  at  the  same  time  raising  a  shout 
the  British  were  induced  to  believe  that  the  in- 
termediate space  was  occupied  by  the  whole 
American  army,  and  fled  precipitately  their 

posts  leanng  all  the  batteries  undcfenucd.  The 
boats  which  relumed  to  the  American  side,  by 
their  report,  produced  a  suspense  in  the  mipd  ol 


44 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


the  General,  in  conBcquence  of  his  ignorance  of 
the  fate  of  the  handful  of  men  who  had  cflectcJ 
their  landing. 

Two  thousand  men  who  wore  embarked,  wait- 
ed impatiently  for  orders  to  move,  but  the  com- 
mander still   hesitated  what  to   do.     An  equal 
number  paraded  on  the  shore  in  readiness  to  pro- 
ceed as  a  reserve.     In  the  mean  time  day  began 
to  dawn,  and  the  enemy  having  superior  force  was 
greatly  astonished  to  find  the  invading  foe  scarcely 
Qxceeded  thirty  men,  who  were  nunde  prisoners  of 
war.     The  British  force  collected  was  leas  than 
500  men,  but  concealing  themselves  in  the  woods, 
and  winding  their  bugles  lustily,  induced  a  belief 
their  numbers  were  very  great.    General  Smyth« 
concluding,  that  ai)y  further  prosecution  of  this 
invasion  would  be  useless,  therefore  announced 
its  abandonment  greatly  to  the  dissatisfaction  of 
the  troops  who  were  on  this  occasion  earnestly 
desirous  of  wiping  away  tlie  stain  of  former  dis- 
grace.    It  was  with  difficulty  that  he  could  calm 
their  minds  by  declaring  his  intention  of  making 
a  more  effectual  attempt. 

On  the  Tuesday  following,  the  troops  were 
actually  embarked,  and  General  Porter  who  was 
tp  lead  the  van  anxiously  waited  the  orders  to 


Pi 
af 

S 
oi 
hi 

8< 
ill 

»! 
tl 

C' 

h 

h 
I 

P 

d 
n 
t 


rE  WAF. 

'  his  ignorance  of 
who  had  cflectcJ 

re  embarked,  wait- 
lovc,  but  the  com- 

0  do.     An   equal 

1  readiness  to  pro- 
in  time  day  began 
superior  force  was 
I'ading  foe  scarcely 
5  made  prisoners  of 
ctcd  was  leas  than 
elves  in  the  woods, 
y,  induced  a  belief 

General  Smyth« 
>rosecution  of  this 
erefore  announced 
B  dissatisfaction  of 
occasion  earnestly 
tain  of  former  dis- 
that  he  could  calm 
Uention  of  making 

;,  the  troops  were 
al  Porter  who  was 
litsd  the  orders  tQ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  45 

proceed.  Every  thing  promised  success,  a*  far 
as  depended  on  the  good  conduct  of  the  troops. 
Suddenly,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  whole  army, 
orders  were  issued  by  the  General,  aimouncing 
his  intention  of  renouncing  the  invasion  for  tiie 
season,  and  to  retire  into  winter  quarters.  The 
discontent  of  the  American  volunteers  thus  dis- 
appointed, was  not  confined  to  murmurs,  many 
threatened  the  life  of  the  General,  who  was 
compelled  to  place  a  guard  near  his  person  for 
his  safety. 

The  General,  after  endeavoring  to  establish 
his  courage  and  prudence  by  challenging  General 
Porter  of  the  New  York  volunteers,  thought 
proper  to  retire  from  the  command.  Ho  with- 
drew to  his  seat  in  Virginia,  where  he  was  per- 
mitted to  remain  quietly  during  the  remainder  of 
the  war. 

The  forces  collected  on  th^fit.  Lawrence, 
with  the  exception  of  some  MB  skirmishes, 
did  little  worthy  of  being  recordOTT  On  the  19th 
of  October,  Colonel  Pike,  u  promising  and  rising 
officer,  already  highly  esteemed  as  an  enterprising 
and  chivalrous  soldier,  raai'-)  an  incursion  into 
Canada,  defeated  a  bodv  British  and  Indians, 
destroyed  a  block-h>^usa,  and  returned  with  only 
£ve  men  wounded. 


46 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATK  WAR 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Afairs  of  the   Weat  —  Miwementa  of  Gentral 
Harrison. 

We  return  to  the  affairs  of  the  West  after  the 
melancholy  surresnder  of  Hull.     Nearer  the  scene 
of  action,  the  Western  States  were  more  deeply 
chagrined  than  other  parts  of  the  Union.    Many 
of  their  citizens  had  been  compelled  to  share  in 
the  burthen  of  the  heavy  disgrace.     In  the  re- 
action  of  the   public  feelings,   an   enthusiastic 
spirit  was  enkindled,  and  the  desire  of  regaining 
the  conquered  territory  and  of  avenging  the  in- 
sult, universally  prevailed.     At  Louisville,  and 
Newport,  large  bodies  of  volunteer.^  were  con- 
tinually collecting:  in  the  state  of  Ohio,  at  several 
points,   a  similar   alacrity  had  collected   large 
bodies  of  privalficitizens  who  had  suddenly  taken 
up  arms.     IiJ^^  *'•«  numbers  flocking  to  the 
places  of  renW^us,  rendered  it  necessary  that 
orders  should  be  issued  to  prevent  the  assemblage 
of  troops  so  far  exceeding  the  necessities  of  the 
occasion;    whole  companies  were  dismissed  as 
Bupernumerary.      General  Harrison,  the  most 
popular  military  man  to  the  westward,  was  called 


iTK  WAR 

VI.  ''* 

'.mentM  of  Gemral 

the  West  after  the 
Neurer  the  sceiio 
s  were  more  deeply 
'  the  Union.  Many 
)mpelled  to  share  in 
ssirace.  In  the  re- 
g«,  an  enthusiastic 
I  desire  of  regaining 
of  avenging  the  in- 

At  Louisville,  and 
olunteer.s  were  con- 
tc  of  Ohio,  at  several 
had  collected  large 
0  had  suddenly  taken 
ibers  flocking  to  the 
jred  it  neceHsary  that 
■event  the  assemblage 
he  necessities  of  the 
3  were  dismissed  as 
Harrison,  the  most 
westward,  was  called 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


47 


to  the  command  of  the  volunteers,  nnd  of  such 
regulars  as  had  been  collected.     This  took  placo 
in  September.     His  first  stop  after  orgimizing  his 
force  nnd  distributing  it  to  the  most  important 
points,  was  to  relieve  the  frontier  posts  now  in 
great  danger,  and  to  send  detachments  in  various 
directions  into  the  Indian  country.    One  of  these, 
fort  Harrison,  situated  on  the  Wabasli,  had  been 
in  the  mean  time  attacked  by  a  large  body  of  In- 
dians in  the  night;  the  situation  of  (he  besieged 
was  at  one  moment  dcNperate,  in  consequence  of 
the  wooden  barracks  within  the  picketing  having 
been  set  on  fire;  nothing  but  the  admirable  cool- 
ness of  the  commanding  ofticer.  Captain  Taylor, 
preserved  the  lives  of  the  unfortunate  soldiers 
from  Indian  massacre.     For  his  good  conduct  h« 
was  promoted  to  a  majority. 

Several  expeditions  on  a  respectable  scale  were 
conducted  by  Generals  Hopkins  and  Tuppcr,  and 
by  Colonels  Campbell  and  Russell.  By  these  all 
the  forts  were  relieved,  and  the  Indian  villages 
laid  in  ashes,  by  which  these  relentless  enemies 
were  driven  »o  the  distant  British  trading  esta- 
blishments for  subsistence,  and  gave  security  to- 
the  frontier  settlors. 


1 


'%.    '•??■■ 


j 


48 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR. 


Having  completed  these  preliminary  operations, 
Goncrul  Harrison  left  fort  Winchester  at  which 
tho  principal  force  was  stationed,  in  order  to 
superintend  the  equipment  and  march  of  tlie  vo' 
luntcer«  destined  to  replace  those  whose  services 
had  expired,  and  for  the  purpose  of  hringing  the 
forccM  destined  in  the  spring  to  operate  against 
the  enemy  at  Detroit.  (Jeneral  Winchester  wa« 
left  in  command  of  about  1000  men  chiefly  volun- 
teers from  Kentucky,  and  consisting  of  young 
men  of  ardent  and  generous  feeling.  It  was  not 
long  oiler  the  departure  of  (■'oiieral  Harrison,  be- 
fore tho  arrival  of  a  deputation  from  the  village  of 
Frenchtown,  situated  on  tho  river  Raisin  between 
the  Miami  and  Detroit,  soliciting  the  protection 
of  their  countrymen,  from  the  Indians  who  had 
threatened  to  destroy  them,  and  to  prevent  if 
possible,  the  occupation  of  their  village  by  the 
combined  forces  of  the  enemy  as  was  contem- 
plated. The  General,  at  the  earnest  solicitationa 
of  the  volunteers,  was  prevailed  upon  to  consent 
to  their  marching  to  the  relief  of  the  unfortunate 
people.  Col.  Lewis,  ut  the  head  of  about  500 
men,  Uie  greater  part  of  Kentucky  volunteers, 
with  two  companies  of  regulars,  reached  the  river 
Bjiisin  on  the  18th  of  January,  1813,  and  findipg 


w 


T.  LATE  WAR. 

I  preliminary  operations, 
rt  Wincliester  at  whicli 
stationed,  in  order  to 
t  and  march  of  tlie  VO' 
:c  those  whoso  services 
lurponc  of  bringing  the 
ring  to  operate  againnt 
oneral  Winchester  wa« 
1000  men  chiefly  volun- 
id  consisting  of  young 
»us  feeling.  It  was  not 
'  <■' fiieral  Harrison,  bc- 
ition  from  the  village  of 
iio  river  Raisin  between 
loliciting  the  protection 
1  the  Indians  who  had 
!ra,  and  to  prevent  if 
of  their  village  by  the 
inemy  as  was  contem- 
the  earnest  solicitationa 
ivailed  upon  to  consent 
eliof  of  the  unfortunate 
the  head  of  about  500 
Kentucky  volunteers, 
ulars,  reached  the  river 
lury,  1813,  and  ftndipg 


HISTORY  OF  TllK  I.ATE  WAR.  <9 

the  enemy  strongly  picketed,  boldly  crossed  the 
river  on  tho  ito,  and  ullcr  a  warm  action,  drove 
them  in  every  direction.  Being  nuiBter  of  the 
ground,  he  encamped  within  a  lino  of  pickets 
which  would  contribute  to  render  liiH  position  do- 
fcncible,  in  case  of  an  attack  by  a  larger  body. 

Hen.  Harrison  about  this  time,  arriving  at  fort 
Winchester  with  some  reinforcements,  won  much 
chagrined  to  find  this  deviation  from  his  plan  of 
operation.     To  remedy  this  false  step  as  fur  an 
lay  in  his  power,  ho  despatched  lien.  Winchestsr 
to  take  the  command  ut  the  head  of  an  additional 
force  of  200  men.     This  increased  the  main  body 
to  seven  hundred  and  fiJly.     The  additional  tbrco 
encamped  on  tho  outftiide  of  tho  pickets  before 
mentioned.     At  day  light  on  the  f22d,  this  force 
was  suddenly  attacked  by  3000  British  and  In- 
dians: those  on  the  outside  of  the  pickets,  were 
soon  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  were  all  either 
killed  or  fell  into  the  hands  of  tho  ruthless  sa- 
vages.   General  Winchester  and  Colonel  Lewis, 
who  happened  to  bo  with  this  body,  were  made 
prisoners  about  the  same  time.     Those  within  the 
pickets,  about  500  in  number,  continued  Om  rc- 
•istancc  unta  near  eleven  o'clock,  ''"^""*2!3t% 
edly  reiwllcd  the  nssailantn  in  the  attemplj^jpr'^ 


Sk 


I 


W  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATi:  WAR. 

the  stockatic.  Tiiulijig  ti.ut  their,  nrriis  could 
make  no  imprcbNion  on  this  baiitl  of  JitMoos,  tho 
enemy  resorted  to  tho  arts  of  |M-,rHuubion;  a  Hag 
was  sent,  promims  ofpiotcclion  were  licld  forth; 
they  oxproi«8ly  iigrccd  to  preserve  to  the  officers 
their  oido  nrnis;  to  ull  tliin  wc-rc  added  tlio  en- 
treaties of  Genorul  Winsliestcr,  who  feared  timt 
those  brave  men  would  nil  |)c  iMacrificcd  to  the 
fury  of  the  savngo  enemy.  'I'liry  wire  at  lost 
prevailed  upon  to  luy  down  their  arms. 

Tho  historian  would  gladly  oust  tho  veil  of 
oblivion  over  (lie  sccncd  which  now  ensued.  Tho 
savages  soon  commenced  their  deeds  of  horror; 
the  dead  were  deprived  of  tiiefi-  clothing;  many 
of  the  wounded  tomahawked  and  robbed;  tho 
living  were  exposed  to  every  j-pecies  of  insult  and 
torture.  The  conduct  of  tho  Urilish  commander, 
Gen.  Proctor,  has  mumped  his  name  with  infamy 
that  will  last  to  remotest  ngcs,  Miuiy  of  tho 
prisoners  were  carried  away  l.y  the  Indians,  somo 
of  them  were  burnt  wiiii  bonii.lo  torments,  and 
others  retained  in  slavery  to  be  afterwards  car- 
ried about  like  beasts,  and  sold  in  the  streets  of 
Detroit.  The  most  tragical  part  of  this  shock- 
ing affair,  was  the  burning  upwards  of  60  of  the 
unhappy  wounded,   who  had  b(>rn   left  in  the 


LATi:  WAR. 

lut  (liijir.  nrnis  could 
is  bimtl  «)(■  lifM'uus,  tho 
of  po.rcuuHioii;  a  (lag 
3clion  were  licld  forth; 
ircserve  to  the  officers 
H  w»'rc  added  tlio  en- 
uBtor,  who  tViircd  timt 
i  ho  isocrificid  to  the 
.  Tlicy  were  at  Inst 
1  tlieir  urms. 
adly  oust  tlio  veil  of 
licli  now  ensued.  TJio 
their  deeds  of  horror; 
their  clothing;  many 
icd  und  robbed;  the 
y  ("pecieH  of  insult  and 
0  IJritish  commander, 
his  name  with  infamy 
ngc-*.  Miuiy  of  tho 
'  l)y  tiic  Indians,  some 
loniiilo  torments,  and 
to  be  afterwards  car- 
sold  in  the  streotit  of 
d  part  of  (his  shock- 
upwards  of  60  of  the 
ad  b<>rn   left   in   the 


1 


insToiiY  or  Tiir  i.att  war. 


6f 


houses  of  tho  inhabitanlN;  thoso  houses  were  left 
without  any  guard  of  British  regulars,  and  the 
day  after  tho  liattio,  a  pnrty  of  Indians  returned 
and  sat  (ire  to  them.     Tho  fate  of  Captain  Hart, 
un  ttccomplii-hed  young  gentleman  of  Kentucky, 
was  peculiarly  dislresning.     Col.  Elliot,  of  tho 
British  army,  who  had  been  his  classmate  at 
Princeton,  voluntarily  tendered  him  his  protec- 
tion, and  promised  to  return  with  the  means  of 
conveyance  to  a  place  of  safety  where  his  wound 
might  be  attended  to.     This  he  never  did.     Copt. 
Hart  prevailed  on  two  Indians  for  a  sum  of  money 
to  take  him  to  Detroit;  they  hadproceeded  with 
him  but  a  short  distance,  when  with  the  cruelty 
and  (ickleness  of  savages,  they  pulled  him  from 
his  horse,  and  wreaked  their  vengeance  upon 
their  defenceless  prisoner.     Oh!  Britain  what  a 
heart  couldst  thou  have  possessed,  to  permit  a 
fellowship  in  thy  wars  with  such  bloody  fiends! 
Two  hundred  of  the  dead  were  suffered  to  lie  on 
the  ground;  no  funeral  rites  were  permitted  to  be 
paid  them.     Humanity  must  ever  weep  over  this 
melancholy  picture. 

Among  tho  slain,  or  barbarously  murdered, 
were  Colonel  Allen,  Captains  Hickman,  Simpson, 


52 


HISTORV  OF  THE  LATE  WAH. 


(a  me;nbcr  of  Congress,)  Mead,  Edwards,  Price, 
M'Crackcn,  and  many  other  of  the  choicest  sons 
of  Kentucky, 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Meeting  of  Congress  —  Proposed  Armisfice — 
Capture  of  the  Java — Operations  on  the  Lakes 
— Siege  of  Fort  Meigs. 

SHOBThY  after  the  commencement  of  the  war, 
a  proposition  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  was 
made  by  the  Governor  of  Canada,  information 
having  reached  him  of  the  repeal  of  the  Orders 
in  Council.  This  proposition  being  vague  and 
informal,  was  at  once  rejected.  It  was  followed 
by  one  more  specific  on  the  part  of  Admiral 
Warren,  who  came  to  talte  command  of  the  sta- 
tion; he  demanded  as  a  preliminary  to  every  other 
step,  that  the  United  States  should  throw  down 
their  arms,  as  having  been  the  aggressors.  This 
insolent  demand  was  instantly  refused.  In  fact 
we  had  no  confidence  in  the  momentary  repeal  of 
the  orders  ia  council;  nothing  but  a  repeal  of  the 
wicked  temper  of  the  enemy  could  give  ua  secu- 


rit 

W( 

er 
d' 
fo 
te 
ti 
u 

a 
v 

A 

ti 

P 
I 

t 

( 

I 


W^' 


.ATE  WAn 


iad,  Edwards,  Price, 
of  the  choicest  sons 


VII.        ,  .'-;-".. 

•oposed    Armislice — 
rations  on  the  Laket 


ncement  of  the  war, 
n  of  hostilities,  was 
[Canada,  information 
•epeal  of  the  Orders 
>n  being  vague  and 
jd.  It  was  followed 
lie  part  of  Admiral 
sommand  of  the  sta- 
linary  to  every  other 
should  throw  down 
le  aggressors.  This 
lly  refused.  In  fact 
momentary  repeal  of 
g  but  a  repeal  of  the 
could  give  us  secu- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


53 


rity.  To  prove,  however,  to  the  world,  that  we 
were  not  behind  our  enemy  in  a  wish  to  put  an 
end  to  the  horrors  of  war,  the  American  Charge 
d'Affaires  in  London,  was  instructed  to  make 
formal  proposals  for  settling  all  disputes  on  fair 
terms,  and  in  the  mean  time,  to  agree  to  an  armis- 
tice pending  the  negociation.  They  were  not 
received. 

On  the  meeting  of  the  Oongrcsp,  the  aspect  of 
affairs  was  such  as  to  call  for  the  most  active  and 
vigorous  preparations  for  carrying  on  the  war. 
A  loan  was  authorized;  an  additional  number  of 
troops  were  to  be  enlisted;  and  all  the  necessary 
provisions  for  a  serious  conflict  were  made.  The 
President  called  upon  the  National  Legislature 
to  meet  the  coming  storm  with  firmness,  be^ 
coming  the  representatives  of  a  free  and  mag- 
nanimous people. 

Captain  Chauncey,  of  the  navy,  was  sent  to 
Lake  Ontario  to  organize  a  naval  force.  So 
rapid  were  his  operations,  that  before  winter  set 
in,  he  had  gained  the  ascendency  on  the  Lake, 
had  captured  a  British  vessel,  and  driven  their 
fleet  to  take  shelter  in  the  harbor  of  Kingston. 

While  Congress  was  engaged  in  thpse  aflairs, 
news  arrived  of  a  third  victory  obtained  over  « 


"-^•^.'JBii!r:f  ^^HJ-'  '"■■',  '■ ' "  '"■HBW'I'iiWW.'V""-"*" 


'»»\ 


54 


HISTOKY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


British  frigate.  On  the  29tli  of  December,  at 
two  o'clocic,  P.  M.,  the  Constitution,  Captain 
Hainbridge  fell  in  with  and  captured  the  British 
frigate  Java,  of  SiO  guns,  and  upwards  of  400 
men,  commanded  by  Captain  Lambert,  a  distin" 
guished  officer.  The  action  lasted  about  one 
hour  and  an  half,  during  which  time  the  enemy 
was  completely  dismasted,  and  their  commander 
mortally  wounded.  On  board  were  General  His- 
lop,  destined  to  the  command  of  Bombay,  toge- 
ther with  several  other  officers  of  distinction. 
The  prize  could  not  be  brought  in,  having  been 
reduced  to  a  pci  i  t  wreck.  Tlio  victor  reached 
Boston  in  Fel..  id  received  the  same  hon- 

ors as  were  w  .  ^ ' ' ;  paid  to  our  naval  com- 
inanders. 

The  rejoicings  for  this  happy  occurrence  were 
not  a  little  damped  by  intelligence  of  the  critical 
situation  of  General  Harrison.  This  officer,  find- 
ing his  force  much  weakened  by  the  loss  of 
numbers  as  well  as  of  the  aid  and  council  of  so 
many  able  officers  and  intelligent  men,  deemed  it 
prudent  to  entrench  himself  near  the  Miami.  Ho 
constructed  hastily  a  stockade,  which  he  called 
fort  Meigs,  in  honor  of  the  active  and  patriotic 
Governor  of  Ohio,  who  had  exerted  himself  in 


it 

ti 
it 
b 
F 

n 

K 
b 
e 
i 
< 
I 


I 


LATE  WAR. 

)tli  of  December,  at 
^Constitution,  Captain 
captured  the  British 
and  upwards  of  400 
in  Lambert,  a  distin* 
>n  lasted  about  one 
hich  time  the  enemy 
Hud  their  commander 
rd  were  General  His- 
iid  of  Bombay,  toge- 
^cers  of  distinction. 
Light  in,  having  been 
Tlio  victor  reached 
ceived  the  same  hon- 
i  to  our  naval  com* 

ippy  occurrence  were 
ligence  of  the  critical 
>n.  This  officer,  find- 
cned  by  the  loss  of 
aid  and  council  of  so 
ligent  men,  deemed  it 
'  near  tlic  Miami.  Ho 
lade,  which  he  called 
e  active  and  patriotic 
id  exerted  himself  in 


ir- 

HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  55 

the  most  laudable  manner  to  further  the  prepara- 
tions on  foot     His  rude  fortifications  were  still 
mcomplete  when  the  enemy,  consisting  of  a  com- 
bined force  of  British  and  Indians  under  General 
Proctor,  made  its  appearance.    The  fort  was 
manned  with  about  a  thousand  men,  chiefly  vo- 
lunteers, was  closely  invested  by  more  than  dou- 
ble the  number.    A  fire  was  mutually  kept  up 
each  day  for  some  time,  when  a  messenger  in- 
formed the  American  commander  of  the  approach 
of  laOO  men  under  General  Clay.    A  well  plan- 
ned sortie  in  conjunction  with  the  reinforcement 
was  resolved  upon.     Colonel  Dudley  descending 
the  Miami  at  the  head  of  a  detachment  in  pursu- 
ance of  the  preconcerted  plan,  suddenly  landed 
on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  assailed  the  British 
batteries,  and  completely  drove  them  from  the 
field;  unfortunately,  however,  the  impetuosity  of 
his  troops  could  not  be  checked;  they  persisted 
in  pursuing  the  enemy  until  they  reached  a  wood, 
where  ihey  were  suddenly  surrounded  «u»dJ*o 
greater  part  cut  to  pieces  or  made  prisoners,   'nic 
Colonel,  who  had  endeavored  to  make  good  his 
retreat  to  the  boats,  was  slain  in  the  struggle. 
On  the  opposite  side,  the  sortie  <m  the  British 
works  was  completely  auccesBfbl.    Col  fm»h 


J 


00 


.■-■^rT' .  wif nwffiii  I  ..y 


IIISTOIIV  OF  TUF,  I.ATE  WAR. 


of  the  gallant  4tli,  ulio  was  chosen  for  this  pur- 
pose, drove  tlie  hesiegcrB  from  ull  their  works. 
On  that  side  alfo,  1'  imgovcmahle  headlong 
daring  of  the  KeiUncIuniif!,  was  near  being  ruin- 
ous to  thein;  t!icy  woo  only  saved  by  a  vigorous 
rharge  of  the  horse  which  covered  tiioir  retreat. 
Among  the  distinguished  oftirers  of  the  day,  wo 
fmd  the  names  of  Major  Alexander,  Captains 
Croghan,  liradtbrd,  Nearing,  Wnhrie,  nnd  lieu- 
tenants Camphell  and  (jwvu. 

This  put  an  end  to  the  piojje  of  Fort  Moigs. 
During  the  siege  which  lasted  thirteen  days,  tho 
Amoricanf^  lost  80  killed,  and  150  wounded,  he- 
Bides  those  who  fell  a  Hucrificc  to  the  fury  of  fha 
Ravages  under  Dudley.  Had  tiie  enemy  been 
Buccesstlil,  the  most  disastrous  consequences 
would  have  followed.  The  whole  frontier  was 
thus  placed  in  a  state  of  security,  from  the  mur-> 
4erou9  iacurnions  of  the  p.nvngrs. 


wi 

th 
T 
bi 
bl 
til 
Ji 
w 
si 

t( 
ri 

a 

r 
ii 
1 
] 
I 
I 


mmim 


III. I  I  iiiiw     III     ■      amammui^ 


t^Kf^^yfVf^^ 


ATE  WAR. 


chosen  for  this  pur- 
om  ull  their  works, 
ovemable  headlong 
vas  iioar  being  riiin- 
snvcd  by  a  vigorous 
r>vero(l  tiioir  retreat. 
irers  of  the  day,  wo 
Ucxander,  Captains 
r,  iSahrie,  and  Iwcu- 

oire  of  Fort  Moig.'*. 
id  tJiirtcen  days,  tho 
d  150  wounded,  be- 
00  to  the  fury  of  the 
Eld  tlie  enemy  been 
trous  consequences 
wliole  frontier  was 
iirity.  from  the  muri 
affcs. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  L.\TE  WAR. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


67 


Capture  of  the  reacoek—Olhtr  Naval  Afairi. 

The  naval  incidents  of  the  second  year  of  tho 
war,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  were  of  the 
same  brilUant  character  as  the  first.  The  open- 
ing of  this  year  was  signalized  by  the  capture  of 
the  Peacock,  by  the  Hornet,  Captain  Lawrence. 
This  vessel  had  been  left  by  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge  shortly  before  his  capture  of  the  Java,  to 
blockade  the  Bonne  Citoyenne,  a  British  vessel 
then  in  the  port  of  St.  Salvador.  On  the  24th  of 
January,  the  Montague  74,  hove  in  sight,  on 
which  the  Hornet  was  compelled  to  raise  the 

siege. 

The  Hornet  by  this  occurrence,  was  compelled 
to  strike  out  a  new  course.  On  the  23d  of  Feb- 
ruary, she  discovered  an  English  brig  lying  at 
anchor  near  the  Carabona  banks:  Captain  Law- 
rence stood  for  her,  but  while  in  the  act  of  beat- 
ing round  for  the  purpose  of  coming  up,  another 
vessel  of  war  was  espied  making  towards  the 
Hornet.  This  proved  to  be  a  large  man  of  war 
brig,  the  Peacock,  Captain  Peak.  It  was  not 
long  before  they  were  both  engaged.     In  fifteen 


# 


1 

. 

' 

■f, 

■ 

fe 

l. 

] 

^ 

1 

t 

1 

5l 

f 

.v 

r 

""- 

. 

■V 

f- 

1 

I 

58 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


minutes  tlie  Peacock  could  with  difliculty  be  kept 
from  flinking,  islio  hung  out  signals  of  distresN  ut 
the  aume  moment  that  she  hauled  dowq  her  flag. 
The  generous  Lawrence  immediately  despatched 
his  boats  to  assist  in  saving  the  vanquished  crew 
every  possible  effort  was  made,  but  in  despite  o 
all  they  could  do  she  went  to  the  bottom,  carrying 
down  three  American  seamen,  and  five  of  her 
own.  The  officers  and  crew  having  been  depri- 
ved of  their  clothes,  were  supplied  by  the  Ame- 
ricans who  shared  with  them  like  brothers.  The 
injury  of  the  Hornet  was  very  slight. 

The  British,  mortified  beyond  measure  at  the 
repeated  defeats  which  they  had  experienced, 
found  it  necessary  seriously  to  devise  some  mode 
of  retrieving  their  credit.  Several  frigates  were 
fitted  out  in  the  best  possible  manner,  with  picked 
crews.  Marksmen  in  imitation  as  they  pretend- 
ed of  the  Americans,  were  stationed  in  the  tops, 
and  the  artillerists  were  trained  with  peculiar 
attention.  The  numbers  of  the  crews  were  in- 
creased for  the  purpose  of  boarding;  in  fine  noth- 
ing was  led  undone  that  might  enable  them  to 
cope  with  the  formidable  American. 

Captain  Lawrence  returned  in  April,  and  after 
«xperiencing  every  mark  of  honor,  which  hi* 


co\ 

ma 

nal 

so 

am 

Im: 

cui 

ne 

tlu 

pn 

de 

ful 

tli( 

iin 

cr 

b( 

e(] 

e\ 

O 

nc 

w 

hi 

h< 

V( 

bi 

VI 


■'^^aaii»i'^.|. '.  J' "  ''**" 


ATE  WAR. 

itii  (lifliculty  be  kept 
gnals  of  distress  ut 
Lulcd  dowQ  her  flag, 
lediately  despatched 
he  vanquished  crew 
:le,  but  in  despite  o 
the  bottom,  carrying 
en,  and  five  of  her 

having  been  depri- 
iipplied  by  the  Ame- 

like  brothers.  The 
•y  slight. 

'ond  measure  at  the 
ly  had  experienced, 
to  devise  some  mode 
everal  frigates  were 

manner,  with  picked 
tion  as  they  pretend- 
tationed  in  the  tops, 
ained  with  peculiar 

the  crews  were  in- 
larding;  in  fine  noth- 
ght  enable  them  to 
lerican. 

d  in  April,  and  after 
f  honor,  which  hi* 


50 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

country  could  bestow,  was  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Ciiesapcake  at  ilostoii,  the  unfortu- 
nate vessel  which  had,  betbic  tlic  war,  received 
so  great  an  insult  from  the  British.    The  Shannon 
and  Tenedos  were  at  this  time  cruizing  off  the 
harbor,  and  sending  challenges  to  the  American 
commanders  of  frlgatcH.    Lawrence  unfortunately 
never  received  any  of  them,  and  was  not  awaro 
that  ho  hud  to  contend  with  an  enemy  specially 
prepared;  but  perceiving  a  British  vessel  casting 
detianco  as  it  were  in  his  teeth  by  parading  in 
full  view  of  him,  ho  burned  to  sally  forth  and  try 
the  fortune  of  liis  arms.     The  Chesapeake  waa 
unJci-going  some  lepuirs,  the  greater  part  of  her 
crew  had  been  discharged,  new  hands  were  to 
be  enHsted,  and   many  of  the   most  important 
equipments  to  be  made.     His  impatience  hurried 
every  thing  forward:  no  moment  was  to  be  lost. 
On  the  1st  of  June  he  moved  out,  and  the  Shan- 
non, Captain  Broke,  espying  him,  manifested  no 
wish  to  avoid  the  contest.     Lawrence  harangued 
his  crew,  when  to  his  inexpressible  mortilication, 
he  found  them  sullen  and  mutinous;    he  endea- 
vored to  conciliate  them  and  arouse  within  their 
breasts  a  spirit  worthy  of  the  occasion.     But  in 
vain  as  became  too  soon  evident.     After  some 


I! 


eO  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

manccuvoring  they  cnmo  to  close  quarters,  and  ut 
first  the  advantngo  was  evidently  in  fiivor  of  tho 
Chesapeake;  the  fortune  of  the  day  soon  began 
to  turn,  in  consequence  of  the  great  destruction 
among  the  American  officers.      Sailing-master 
While  was  killed;  Lieutenant  Ballard,  mortally 
wounded;    Lieutenant  Hrown,  of  the   marines, 
severely;    as  also  tho  first  Lieutenant  Ludlow. 
Captain  Lawrence,  although  severely  wounded, 
still  remained  on  deck  giving  his  orders  with 
coobiess   as   he  leaned   upon  the    companion- 
way.     He  was  giving  orders  for  the  boarders  to 
come  up,  when  he  received  a  ball  in  his  body  on 
which  ho  was  carried  below,  exclaiming  to  his 
companions  as  they  carried  him  off,  "Don'<  give 
up  the  Ship;^  which  words  have  become  the 
motto  of  American  seamen.     Captain  Broke  find- 
ing  that  his  vessel  had  received  great  injury,  and 
was  then  ahnost  in  a  sinking  condition,  deter- 
mined to  board.    The  Chesapeake  having  been 
disabled  in  rigging,  she  had  fallen,  to  use  the  sea- 
man's  pharse,  on  board  the  Shannon.    The  Bn- 
tish  commander  leaped  on  deck  at  the  head  of 
about  aO  men,  and  was  soon  followed  by  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  his  crew  to  accomplish  the  object 
h,  view.     A  short  but  desperate  struggle  ensued. 


Wi 

N 
T 
til 
F 
fi 
A 
tl 
ii 


''■'■r-^-JT'" 


LATE  WAR. 

:loso  quarters,  and  ut 
Icntly  in  fiivor  of  tho 
the  day  soon  began 
the  great  destruction 
ers.      Sailing-master 
int  Ballard,  mortally 
ivn,  of  tho   marines, 
Lieutenant  Ludlow, 
rh  severely  wounded, 
t'ing  his  orders  with 
pon  the    companion- 
rs  for  the  boarders  to 
a  ball  in  his  body  on 
iw,  exclaiming  to  his 
i  him  off,  ''Don't  give 
lis  have  become  the 
Captain  Broke  find- 
jived  great  injury,  and 
king  condition,  dcter- 
jsapeake  having  been 
1  fallen,  to  use  the  sea- 
B  Shannon.    The  Bri- 
i  deck  at  the  head  of 
an  followed  by  a  suffi- 
)  accomplish  the  object 
icrate  struggle  ensued. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  lATE  WAR. 


61 


The  loss  of  aiTicois  on  the  part  of  (he  AmcrKann. 
and  tho  dantardly  con.lnct  of  the  boatswain,  who 
had  skulUc.1  instead  of  calling  up  the  boarders, 
gave  the  decided  advantage  to  tho  enemy.     1  he 
action  in  a  nhort  time  terminated  in  (he  capture 
of  the  Chenapcako.     Nearly  all  tho  officers  on 
board  Ms  ill-fated  ship,  were   either  killed  or 
wouned.     On  the  part  of  the  enemy  there  were 
2.3  killed  and  56  wounded.    The  conduct  of  the 
British  was  not  so  conspicuous  for  magnanimity 
to  th«  vanquished,  as  would  have  been  wished, 
with  the  exception  of  the  honorable  interment  of 
the  naval  heroes  Lawrence  and  Ludlow,  on  their 

arrival  at  Halifax. 

The  rejoicings  in  England  for  this  victory, 
were  scarcely  more  extravagant  than  those  of 
Nelson,  and  of  their  most  distinguished  Admirals. 
The  capture  of  one  American  frigate  appeared  to 
them  a  greater  exploit,  than  the  capture  of  a 
French  o^  Spanish  fleet.  For  a  time  the  t.de  of 
fortune  seemed  to  bo  in  favor  of  Britain.  Tl^ 
Argus,  early  hi  June,  aHer  having  earned  out 
Ui^'A;erican  minister  to  France,  -"t  to  cn"ze 
.n  the  British  channel,  where  she  commuted  «o 
much  havoc  that  the  British  govcrnme.^  found 
nocessarv  to  f.l  out  ships  on  purpose  to  encounter 


t 


' 


«2 


HISTORY  OK  THE  LATE  WAR. 


this  (lungeruiis  cneiiiy.  Ity  uix;  uf  Uiose,  (the 
Pelican, )  ulie  was  diHcovcieiJ  nt  iiiglit  by  a  ship 
on  fire.  Captain  Alltn  I'cll  nt  the  iirwt  fire,  and 
his  Lieutenant  woon  atkr.  The  wliccl  beirg  un- 
fortunately shot  away  she  wa8  exposed  to  raking. 
In  this  situation  f-lie  withstood  the  enemy's  fire 
some  time,  but  was  at  last  compelled  to  burren- 
der  after  forty-seven  minutes  close  fighting.  This 
was  the  last  victory  fairly  ohfained  by  Britain. 

Early  in  July,  letlors  wore  rccuived  from  Com- 
modore Porter,  who  it  hecnis  had  sailed  round 
Capo  Horn,  for  the  purpose  of  ciittirif'  up  the 
English  trade  and  destroy  the  fisheries  in  the 
South  (<ens.  In  this  he  met  with  astonisiiing  suc- 
ccHs;  he  captured  nine  of  the  t;ncmy'8  ships,  the 
greater  part  of  which  were  armed,  and  distribu- 
ting some  of  his  men  on  board  these  ships,  he 
made  out  to  form  a  respectable  lleet,  with  which 
he  soon  became  master  of  the  I'acific  ocean. 

In  the  Atlantic,  victory  once  more  returned  to 
Uie  Bide  of  justice.  On  the  first  of  September, 
the  brig  Enterprize,  Captain  Jlurrows,  fell  in  with 
the  Boxer,  Captain  Blythe,  The  action  lasted 
out  little  more  than  thirty  minutes,  when  the 
Englisbnaon  was  so  roughly  handled  that  he  cried 
for  quarter,  as  they  were  unable  to  haul  down  the 


>s# 


CO 

of 
th 
re 
of 
e« 
te 

b< 

lo 

CI 

t{ 
C 

» 
n 
1 


LATE  WAR. 

i  oii«  of  tliose,  (the 
(1  III  iiiglit  by  a  ship 
at  the  iirwt  fire,  and 
The  wliocl  beiro;  un- 
18  exposed  to  rnking. 
nod  the  enemy's  fire 
compelled  fo  Hurren- 
I  close  fighting.  Tiiid 
hfiiined  by  Britnin, 
3  received  from  Com- 
us  had  sailed  round 
se  of  ciittinp  up  tho 
tho  fisheries  in  tho 
with  ustonisiiing  suc- 
le  enemy's  ships,  tho 
araied,  and  distribu- 
aard  tlieso  ships,  he 
ible  lleet,  with  which 
he  I'acitic  ocean, 
ice  more  returned  to 
B  first  of  September, 
Jiurrows,  fell  in  with 
'Ilie  action  lasted 
'  minutes,  when  the 
handled  that  he  cric<t 
ible  to  haul  down  the 


HISTORY  OF  TlIF,  LATE  WAR. 

colors,  having  used  the  preraution  to  make  sure 
of  their  courage,  by  nailing  it  to  the  ma«t.  Both 
the  communderH  were  killed.  Captain  Burrow* 
refused  to  bo  curried  bolow,  and  wlicn  the  sword 
of  his  adversary  was  presented  to  him,  he  press- 
ed it  to  his  brciist  and  exclaimed,  "1  die  con- 
tented." 

Commodore  Rogers,  on  the  25th  of  Septem- 
ber, arrived  after  a  cruize  of  great  length,  having 
looked  at  every  country  on  the  Atlantic,  and  cir- 
cumnavigated tho  British  islands,  without  moles- 
tation  from  the  thousand  8hif)B  of  Great  Britain. 
Off  the  American  coast  he  captured  a  small  ve»- 
sel,  the  Highflyer,  with  Admiral  Warren's  private 
signals,  by  which  he  was  enabled  to  escape  the 
Britisli  cruisers. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Button  MediaHon—BrilKant  events  of  the  War, 

Wak  entails  upon  every  nation  many  evils  and 
many  sufferings;  although  it  is  one  of  the  condi- 
tions of  life,  there  is  none  who  docs  not  prefer 
the  smiles  of  peace  to  tho  flickering  brand  of 


ftl 


IIIHTORY  OF  Tin:  LATE  WAK. 


iUscnrd.  It  wns  tlicrctbrc  not  without  glailncsa« 
that  wo  hailed  the  firfit  rays  wliich  promised  once 
more  a  day  of  NUiisihiiie.  The  ovorturoH  for  an 
armistice  rociprocally  made  had  entirely  failed, 
when  the  cmporor  of  Ruaisia  interposed  Win  good 
offices  an  mediator,  desiroiiaof  bringing  abouiao 
amicable  actjustmont  of  difTnrerfres.  PresideHt 
Madison  immediately  accepted  the  proposition, 
and  immediately  appointed  Messrs.  (iailatin,  Ba- 
yard, together  with  Mr.  Adams,  the  commmis- 
dioners  for  the  occasion.  The  two  former  em- 
barked as  Hoon  aN  possible  for  Europe. 

The  campaign  of  1813,  the  second  year  of  the 
war,  opened  with  aeveral  brilliant  atfairs,  which 
served  to  raise  the  character  of  our  soldiery. 
Commodore  Chauncey  was  master  of  Lake  On- 
tario, and  Sir  James  Yoo  was  careful  not  to  show 
himself  out  of  Kingston  until  the  vessels  then 
buiUing  would  give  him  the  superiority.  The 
commander  in  chief.  General  Dearborne,  was 
therefore  at  liberty  to  cross  the  Canada  side  with 
his  troops,  in  the  pursuit  of  any  plan  of  operation 
ho  might  adopt.  Pike,  who  had  been  appointed 
to  the  rank  of  a  Brigadi#,  full  of  the  most  ardent 
desire  of  distinction,  panted  for  an  opportunity  of 
taking  tho  field.     An  attack  upon  York  won  ro- 


e( 
ni 
ni 

It 

» 
e 
h 
a 


kTE  WAR. 

t  without  glailncss, 
liich  proinised  onco 
10  ovorturoH  for  an 
ia<l  entirely  fiiilctl, 
ntcrposed  hin  good 
r  bringing  abouicn 
rerres.  Prebident 
;d  tlie  proposition, 
sssrH.  (iailntin,  Ha- 
ms, tho  coininmis- 
le  two  Ibriner  em- 
r  Europe.. 
Hocond  year  of  tli» 
iliant  atfairi?,  which 
)r  of  our  soldiery, 
laster  of  Lake  Oii- 
cnroful  not  to  show 
1  tho  vessels  then 
snporiority.  The 
ill  Dearbornc,  was 
e  Canada  side  with 
>y  plan  of  operation 
ad  been  appointed 
:  of  tho  most  ardent 
or  an  opportunity  of 
upon  York  WM  ro- 


niRT<:>KY  OF  TllF,  LATF,  WAR. 


65 


nolved  upon;  tho  plnn  ond  execution  was  resign- 
ed to  Pike.  This  i)laoe,  tho  capital  of  upper  Ca- 
nada, contained  vanl  qnantiticB  of  military  and 
naval  sioreH,  and  moreover,  a  large  vessel  almost 
ready  for  launching,  which  would  give  tho  com- 
mand oftheluko  to  the  Hritish. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  'MM  iii'  n  were  omlmrk- 
ed  on  hoard  ho  American  squad'. ,n,  and  appear- 
ed before  V'l  ik.     No  lime  was  li.st  in  clfocting  a 
landing  at  the  ruins  of  the  old  fort  of  Torento, 
about  two  miles  ul.    c  th     town.     This  was  ef- 
fected under  R  severe  rtf  !rom  the  nemy,  v  'o  had 
been  apprised  and  were  drawn  up  a  the  water's 
edge.     Forsythe,  with  his  ritl'-m.  s,  led  the  van, 
but  receiving  a  galling firo  as  h    mared  tho  shore 
he  ordered  his  boath... 'o  rest  upon  the*    >  ars, 
in  order  to  givo  his  nark*'  ^eri  an  opporiuniiy  of 
reluming  the  complintent.     This  being  observed 
by   Pike,    wiio   was   anxiously  watching    every 
movement,  he  leaped  into  tho  boat  prepared    for 
himself  and  f  tatt",  and  on'-ered  the  detachment  of 
major  King  to  foUov  him.     He  made  good   his 
landing,  and  placing  iumself  at  the  head  of  the 
troops  first  formed,  gallantly  charged  upon  the 
enemy,  and  drove  them  beforo  him.     A  few  mo- 
ments after,  reinforcements  arriving,  be  moA-ed 
F2 


•  i«)  ■,ijw;tgiiiiyii»igmi.i.4y 


06 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


forward,  drove  the  enemy  from  a  battery  which 
they  had  constructed,  and  then  pushed  on  to  ano- 
ther, when  the  soud  of  Forsyth's  bugles  announc- 
ed victory  on  his  part.  As  he  approached  the 
last  battery,  it  was  precipitately  abandoned  by  the 
enemy.  Here  the  column  halted  within  300  yards 
of  the  enemy's  barracks.  While  calmly  engaged 
in  conversation  with  a  Britirth  sergeant,  a  dread- 
ful explosion  took  place.  It  was  the  magazine 
in  which  there  had  been  an  immense  quantity  of 
gunpowder.  Masses  of  stone  and  timber  fell  in 
the  midst  of  the  Americana,  producing  dreadful 
havoc;  upwards  of  300  were  at  once  killed  and 
wounded.  Unsubdued  by  the  horrors  of  this  in- 
fernal contrivance,  and  tliia  scene  of  desolation, 
their  ranks  were  instantly  closed,  and  thev  rent 
the  air  with  three  loud  huzzas,  while  the  anima- 
ting tune  of  Yankee  Doodle  cheered  even  the 
dying,  and  caused  the  wounded  to  forget  their 
pain.  The  chivalrous  leader,  however  was  hero 
doomed  to  tenninate  his  short  but  glorious  career: 
he  received  a  mortal  contusion,  but  still  retaining 
enough  of  life  to  give  words  to  his  gallant  spirit, 
he  thus  addressed  his  troops,  ''Move  on  my  brave 
felUnos,  and  nvenge  your  General."  He  was  then 
carried  on  boad  one  of  the  vessels;  the  scenes  of 


# 


TE  WAR. 

Tfi  a  battery  which 
pushed  on  to  ano- 
's  bugles  announc- 
e  approached  the 
'  abandoned  by  tho 
d  within  300  yards 
le  cahnly  engaged 
sergeant,  a  dread- 
rt'as  the  magazine 
imenHe  quantity  of 
and  timber  fell  in 
iroducing  dreadful 
it  once  killed  and 
horrors  of  this  in- 
iene  of  desolation, 
sed,  and  thev  rent 
wliile  the  anima- 
cheered  even  tho 
led  to  forget  their 
liowever  was  liere 
)ut  glorious  career: 
t,  but  still  retaining 
0  his  gallant  spirit, 
'Afot'c  on  my  brave 
tral."  He  was  then 
rsels;  the  scenes  of 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR 


m 


I 


life  were  rapidly  receding  from  his  view,  and  his 
sight  growing  every  moment  more  dim,  when  ho 
was  somewhat  roused  by  the  victorious  shouts  of 
his  men.  A  moment  after,  the  British  Bag  was 
brought  to  him:  this  for  a  moment  kindled  up  his 
fading  eye,  an.l  roqtiesting  that  the  trophy  might 
be  placed  under  his  head  he  expired. 

The  American  troops  headed  by  Col.  Pearce, 
took  possession  of  all  the  British  works,  and  were 
on  full  march  to  York,  when  they  were  met  by  a 
deputation  who  offered  to  surrender.  It  was 
agreed  that  the  place  with  all  pablic  property, 
and  the  troops  should  be  surrendered  to  the  Ameri- 
cans. Wliile  the  acticles  of  capitulation  were 
under  discussion,  the  British  were  actually  enga- 
ged in  destroying  all  the  public  property,  whilo 
an  opportunity  was  given  to  General  Sheaffe  to 
escape  with  a  considertble  portion  of  his  regu- 
lars. About  three  o'clock,  possession  waa.takeu 
of  the  town.  Pike,  in  his  General  orders,  had 
forbidden  any  of  his  men  to  violate  private  proper- 
ty, (Mlpbin  of  death.  The  order  was  strictly 
eboyed,  although  there  existed  cause  of  much 
exasperation.  In  the  State-House,  a  singular 
trophy  was  found  over  tiie  Speaker's  mace;  it 
was  no  other  than  a  human  scalp!  On  such  a  fiiet 


^  -,^-T-  =2— ::— asCSMffll'!*'*?*^*^ 


68 


fmmm 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


no  commentary  is  necessary.  Afler  this,  how 
could  any  regard  to  the  laws  of  honorable  war, 
be  expected  from  Great  Britain?  After  this  insult 
to  all  civilization  and  liyimanity! 

General  Dearborn,  did  not  assume  the  com- 
mand, until  after  possession  was  taken  of  the 
place.  Having  taken  measures  for  securing  the 
captured  stores,  and  the  prisoners  who  amounted 
to  about  800,  he  ordered  the  place  to  be  ^vacua- 
ted,  and  soon  after  re-embanked  his  troops.  Es- 
sential service  was  rendered  by  (.'ommodoro 
Chauncey,  in  covering  tlie  landing  and  in  annoy- 
ing the  enemy's  batteries.  The  American  loss 
in  killed  and  wounded,  an»ounted  to  '%9,  that  of 
the  British  to  930  men,  including  prisoners. 

On  the  return  to  Sackett's  Harbour,  prepara- 
tions were  made  for  the  attack  on  Fort  George, 
and  the  British  strong-holds  on  the  Niagara, 
which  had  been  vainly  attempted  the  year  before. 
All  things  being  made  ready,  the  avmy  embarked 
on  board  the  tieet,  and  on  the  23d  of  Mfly,  sail- 
ed on  the  contemplated  ent.crpri:>e.  Theu«j§||||^ig 
took  place  on  the  27th  of  the  same  month.  Com-  *■ 
modore  Chauncey  placed  his  vessels  in  tlie  best 
position  for  annoying  the  batteries  and-  forte  of 
the  enemy,  while  the  transports  for  crossing  the 


■:^. 


§■    ^ 


in 
b< 

oi 

ol 

t^ 
d 

Ui 
U] 

'S 
b 
c 
tl 
a 

M 

t( 
a 
f 
( 
t 

I 
t 
< 

I 


rE  WAR. 

Afler  this,  how 
f  honorable  war, 
?  Af^crthis  insult 

assume  the  corn- 
was  taken  of  the 
IS  for  securing  the 
era  who  amounted 
lace  to  be  ^vacua- 
id  his  troops.     Es- 
i    by   (.'ommodore 
jing  and  in  annoy- 
^he  American  loss 
tedto'%9,   that  of 
ing  prisoners. 
Harbour,  prepara- 
i  on  Fort  George, 
1  on  the  Niagara, 
ed  the  year  before, 
he  avmy  embarked 
)  23d  of  May,  sail- 
rise.     ThcJil^ig 
iarae  month.  Corn- 
vessels  in  tlie  best 
tteries  and-  fort*  of 
rts  for  crossing  the 


# 


HISTORY  OF  TIIK  LATE  WAR.  6tf 

invading  army  passed  the  river.     General  Daar- 
borno,  at  this  time  in  very  ill-health,  issued  his 
orders  from  his  bed,  and  the  immediate  direction 
of  the  attack,  wa»  entrusted  to  General  Lewis, 
the  next  in  command.  Generals  Chandler,  Win- 
der, and  Boyd,  with  their  respective  brigades, 
advanced  to  the  shore  with  unshaken  firmness 
under  a  heavy  fire.     The  advance  under  Cola. 
'  Scott  and  Forsyth,  having  effected  a  landing,  and 
being  assisted  by  the  fire  from  the  ships,  soon 
cleared  the  batteries.     But  the  British  throwing 
themselves  into  a  ravine,  completely  arrested  for 
a  time,  the  progress  of  the  Americans.     After  a 
warm  eugagement,  they  were  at  last  compelled 
to  retire,  and  the  whole  line  of  fortifications  was 
abandoned.     As  soon  as  sufflciont  tbrce   was 
formed,  they  advanced  to  the  assault  of  Fort 
George,  which  they  found  hastily  abandoned  with 
the  flag  still  flying,  which  was  torn  down  by  Col. 
Scott  and  Major  Hindman.    The  retreartbg  ene- 
my was  pursued  some  distance  by  Captain  Biddle 
and  some  other  active  officers.     Upwards  of  500 
Canadian  militia  surrendered   their   arms,  and 
were  permitted  to  depart  on  parole:  108  of  the 
regulars  were  killed,,  and  276  wounded  and  taken 
prisoneri.    The  Iw  <>«  our  sidyvas  39  kUled, 


'*'  i^^^^S^^'^"' 


w 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


f 


£■ 


and  111  wounded.  The  next  day.  Fort  Erie 
and  all  the  remaining  BritiBli  fortifications  were 
blown  up. 

The  british  collecting  their  forces,  amounted 
to  1300  men,  retreated  towards  tiie  head  of  the 
lake,  at  the  upper  end  of  tho  rJurlinfjton  Bay.  If 
closely  pursued,  they  must  iiievifabiy  fail  into  the 
hands  of  tiie  Americans,  and  thus  would  be  ter- 
minated the  contests  along  the  North  Western 
frontier.  On  the  ist  of  June,  Generals  Chandler 
and  Winder,  were  despatched  with  nearly  double 
the  force,  to  effect  the  all-important  object  This 
force  advanced  to  Stony  creek,  where  they  en- 
camped, in  expectation  of  being  able  to  overtake 
the  enemy  next  day.  The-so  finding  no  hope  of 
escaping  but  through  a  night  attack,  about  one 
o'clock  the  same  night  rushed  suddenly  upon  the 
main  guard,  and  raising  a  dreadful  shout,  ran  to- 
wards the  main  body  of  the  Americans,  who  were 
lying  on  their  arms,  and  being  roused  by  this,  tho 
85th  regiment  was  instantly  formed  and  gave  the 
enemy  the  first  fire.  But  the  darkness  of  the 
night,  and  the  clouds  of  smoke  rendering  it  im- 
possible to  distingyish  objects,  somo  coqflision 
ensued.  A  number  of  the  British  becam«  inter* 
mixed  with  th^mericari  artillerists,  and  the  two. 


Ai 
ta 
br 
th 

«■! 

C( 

n( 
w 
si 
B 

et 
is 
re 

g< 

A 

w 
r< 

Is 
al 
-  hi 
tl 
h 
tl 
n 
ai 


idiM 


LATE  WAR. 

next  day,  Fort  Erie 
sh  fortifications  were 

sir  forces',  ntnounted 
ards  tlie  head  of  the 
?  Rurlinf»ton  Bay.  If 
inevitably  fail  into  the 
id  thus  would  be  ter- 
:  tlio  North  Western 
c,  Generals  Chandler 
od  with  nearly  double 
portant  object     This 

reek,  where  they  en- 
eing  able  to  overtak& 
so  finding  no  hope  of 
ht  attack,  about  ono 
ed  suddenly  upon  the 
readful  shout,  ran  to- 
^mericans,  who  were 
tig  roused  by  this,  the 
■  formed  and  gave  the 

the  darkness  of  the 
noke  rendering  it  im- 
Bcts,  Bomo  coqilimon 
British  becanMi  inters 
■tilleriete,  and  the  two. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


71 


American  Uencrals,  while  endeavoring  to  ascer- 
tain the  cause,  were  taken  prisoners.  At  day- 
break the  American  army  were  found  entire,  but 
the  enemy  had  retreated  in  grent  disorder,  their 
spirits  coniplelij^y  broken  by  this  unexpected  re- 
ception, and  now  giving  up  all  for  lost.  Unfortu- 
nately for  UH,  no  otlicer  was  left  to  command, 
whose  station  was  such  as  to  warrant  the  respon- 
sibility of  imrsuing  the  vanquished  enemy.  Col. 
Brun,  on  u  conbultatiou  witli  his  officers,  resolv- 
ed on  a  retreat,  whicli  was  effected,  and  the  Brit- 
ish under  general  Vincent,  soon  after  receiving 
reinforcements,  were  enabled  to  maintain  their 
ground. 

The  absence  of  Commodore  Cimuncy,  and  the 
American  forces  from  Jacket's  Harbour,  had 
well  nipU  given  an  opportunity  to  the  British  of 
retaliating  the  recapture  of  York.  Towards  the 
latter  end  of  JNIay,  the  British  squadron,  with 
about  1200  men,  suddenly  appeared  before  the 
.  harbour.  The  alarm  was  instantly  given,  and 
the  regulars  and  militia  posted  in  the  neighbor- 
hoodTmstcned  to  the  aid  of  those  left  to  defend 
theploB  which  did^ict  amount  to  one  half  the 
number  of  the  assailant.-.  Tlio  command  was 
assumed  by  general  Brown  of  the  militia.     Thq 


ti 


if 


ti  HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR. 

niilitia  under  colonel  Mills  posted  to  oppoHc  their 
landing,  after  one  fire,  fled  in  the  most  BJiameful 
manner,  in  spite  of  the  eflbrts  of  their  command- 
er.    A  more  efficient  resistance  was  made  by  tlie 
regulars  under  Colonel  JBaccus,  ttd  Mojor  Lav- 
oUe  and  Aspinwall,  but  who  were  compelled  to 
retreat.     In  the  mean  time,  General  Brown  hav- 
ing rallied  the  militia,  fell  on  the  enemy's  rear, 
and  compeDed  them  to  fly  with  precipitntion,  and 
were  utterly  discomfited.     The  American  loss 
was  150  in  killed  and  woanded;  that  of  the  Brit- 
ish, at  least  double  that  number.     Sir  George 
Provost,  the  Governor  of  Canada,  retired,  leav- 
ing his   laurels  behind  him.     Had   this  attack 
proved  successful,  the  loss  of  the  United  States 
would  liave  been  immense,  as  this  place  was  the 
store-house  of  all  military  supplies,  both  for  the 
uaval  and  land  service.    A  considerable  quantity 
of  public  stores  were  unfortunately  destroyed  6y 
our  own  ofljcers  under  a  belief  that  the  enemy 
had  obtained  possession  of  the  place. 

In  the  midst  of  these  occurrences,  which  in 
general  wore  so  briUiant  oh  appearance^e  ex- 
perienced a  severe  reverse.  Genera«iewie, 
who  assumed  tlio  command  after  the  res^nation 
of  General  Dearborne,  finding  himself  infested 


the 
fix 
to 
th( 
C3< 
wi 
In 
tei 
lai 
to 
th 
th 
ht 
ei 

^ 
ai 

S 

bi 

ki 

o 

V 


ntn^yr^  ■ .»-». 


LATE  WAR. 


posted  to  oppoNC  their 
in  the  most  shameAil 
t8  of  their  command- 
ncc  was  made  by  the 
cus,  «nd  Major  Lav- 
0  were  compel!'  d  to 
General  Brown  hav- 
>n  the  enemy's  rear, 
ith  precipitntion,  and 
The  American  loss 
led;  that  of  the  Brit- 
umber.     Sir  Georgo 
auada,  retired,  leav- 
Hnd   this  attack 
of  the  United  States 
s  this  place  was  tho 
upplies,  both  for  tho 
onsiderubie  quantity 
inatcly  destroyed  by 
lief  that  the  enemy 
10  place. 

jurrenccs,  which  in 
appearancc^jye  ex- 
3>  Gcnera^Kjewis, 
liler  the  resignation 
ing  himself  infected 


rflSTORY  OP  THE  LATE  WAS. 


93 


ty  aoveral  large  detachments  of  the  enemy  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Fort  George,  where  he  had 
fixed  his  head  quarters,  ordered  Col.  BoersUer 
to  march  with  about  500  men  and  disperse  one  oi 
these  at  a  place  called  La  Louvre  house.  The 
Colonel  had  not  proceeded  half  way,  when  he 
was  assailed  in  front  and  rear  by  the  British  and 
Indians,  and  was  compelled  for  some  time  to  con- 
tend against  very  superior  numbers.  He  was  at 
last  induced  to  surrender  his  whole  force,  greatly 
to  the  chagrin  of  the  Americans  at  being  thus 
thrown  away  to  no  purpose.  But  for  this  affair, 
the  opening  of  the  campaign  in  this  quarter  would 
have  been  regarded  as  far  transcending  our  warm- 
est expectations  of  success. 

About  this  time  the  Six  Nations  declared  war 
against  the  British,  with  a  formal  proclamation, 
and  entered  into  an  alliance  with  the  United 
States,  stipulating,  however,  to  denounce  their 
barbarous  usages  in  battle,  which  they  faithfully 
kept 

We  now  turn  our  attention  for  a  moment  to  the 
Weahtrard,  and  the  operations  along  the  frontier 
of  tRedOhio.  In  that  quarter,  a  most  glorious 
victory^crowned  our  arms  early  in  the  month  of 
August  Until  that  time,  iprt  Meigs  had  remain- 
G 


n 


HiaTORV  OP  THE  LATE  WA*. 


ed  unmolested,  while  the  Americans  waited  f«r 
the  result  of  the  naval  war  on  Lake  Erie,  before 
the  adoption  of  any  Ulterior  movement.     Prbctor» 
dcsiraus  of  embarrassing    the  preparations  of 
Harrison,  and  of  opening  the  frontier  to  tho  in- 
roads of  his  allies  tho  savages,  giving  them  an 
opportunity  of  murdering  tho  sleeping  bubo  and 
helpless  female,  determined  to  destroy  the  diffe- 
rent forts  which  covered  the  settlements.     Fort 
Stephf^nson,  on  tho  Sandusky,  was  the  first  se- 
lected.   To  cover  his  real  intention,  he  sent 
Tecumseh  to  make  a  push  on  fort  Meigs,  while 
he  appeared  before  St  Stephenson,  and  demanded 
it  to  surrender.     The  officer  commanding  it,  was 
a  youth  of  twenty-one  years  of  ago.   Major 
Croghun,  who  had  already  distinguished  himself 
at  tho  siege  of  fort  Meigs.     Uc  had   received 
orders  to  abandon  this  place  on  tho  approach  of 
Ihe  enemy,  but  taking  all  responsibility  upon  him- 
self, he  boldly  set  tlie  threats  of  the  ungenerous 
enemy  at  defiance.    The  fort  was  surrounded 
with  pickets  and  a  rlitch  about  six  feet  wide. 
The  assailants,  consisting  of  regulars  and  In- 
dians, to  tho  number  of  800,  comncncUl  the 
attack  with  several  pieces  of  artillery,  wilh  which 
they  attempted  to  make  a  breash.    Mui  those 


LATE  WAli. 

Vmoricans  waited  ftiur 
on  Lako  Erie,  before 
inovctnent.     Prdctort 

the  preparations  of 
lie  frontier  to  the  in- 
igcs,  giving  them  an 
lo  sleeping  babe  and 

to  destroy  tlie  diffe- 
e  settlements.  Fort 
ky,  was  the  first  so- 
1  intention,  he  sent 
on  fort  Meigs,  while 
enson,  and  demanded 

commanding  it,  was 
sars  of  age.  Major 
distinguished  himself 
.  He  had  received 
e  on  the  approach  of 
ponsibility  upon  him- 
ts  of  the  ungenerous 
ibrt  was  surrounded 
ibout  six  feet  wide. 

of  regulars  w^  In- 
00,  comncnc^  the 
'artillery,  wiQi  which 

breach.    Wf^i  those 


HISTORY  or  THE  lATE  WAR.  '«* 

witliin    securod  the  point  at  vrhich  the  artillery 
Z^d  rectod  bv  placing  bags  of  sand  and  even 
7fio        They  now  resolved  to  attempt  the  place 
bv  storm.     Colonel  Short,  with  a  column  of  350 
IL  taking  advantage  of  the  smoke,  presented 
rmJeiratfhe  point  before  mentioned,  andcrymg 
o  MO  l^B-en  to  follow  him,  and  to  give  the 
a!lid  Yankees  no  quarters,  landed  in  the  d.tch 
with  nearly  half  of  his  men.     His  progress  was 
Holr  arreste-l  man  no  could  have  cxpec  ed. 
TTAmenoans,  .vho  were  chiefly  young  volun- 
,eer.  '..ad  carefully  concealed  a  8.x  pounder,  the 
only  o.ie  which  they  possessed  in  the  basUon 
S  protected  that  part  of  the  ditch;  the  match 
:alputto  it,  and  being  loaded  wUh  slugs  and 
musket  balls,  instantly  cut  U.e  savage  assailant, 
o  pieces-,  not  one  escaped  the  fatal  p  ace     The 
rolling  musketry  at  the  same  time,  produced  great 
^tc  among  those  who  were  still  on  the  outsid. 
Tl.e  assailaius  ilcd,  pursued  by  mdeserjbable 
terror,  whde  the  Indians  followed  without  darmg 
to  east  a  glance  behind.    During  the  mght,  .rre- 
gular  firing  was  kept  up,  wh.le  the  humane  and 
generous  Americans  diJ   every  thmg  m  the.r 
power  to  r<}lieve  the  wounded  in  the  ditch.     Ihe 
i^ext  morning  .the  enemy  disappeared  m  haste. 


76 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR. 


E  I 
li 


leaving  behind  a  conaiderablo  quantity  of  public 
stores.  The  lost*  of  tliu  Uritisii  exceeded  200 
men,  while  the  Americans  had  only  a  few  wound* 
ed,  and  that  while  engaged  in  offering  relief  to 
the  sufferers. 

Croghan  and  his  brave  comrades,  Captain 
Hunter,  Lieutenants  Johnson,  Baylor,  Meoks, 
and  Anthony,  were  hailed  with  tiie  plaudits  of 
their  country.  The  first  received  the  brevet  rank 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  the  regular  service. 
The  Indians,  after  this  defeat,  were  so  disgusted 
with  their  allies,  that  they  were  about  to  abandon 
them.  The  frontier  was  completely  protected 
fi'om  further  molestation. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Capturi  of  tht  BritUh  Squadrm  on  Lake  £m— 
Defeat  of  Proctor. 

CoMHODORB  Perry,  whose  name  now  adorns 
the  page  of  our  history,  was  entrusted,  at  tho 
commencement  of  the  spring,  with  the  important 
task  of  creating  a  force  to  oppeo  the  British, 


l_ 


ATE  WAR. 

3  quantity  of  public 
itish  exceeded  200 
i  only  a  few  wound* 
in  oflbring  relief  to 

comrades,  Captain 
n,  Baylor,  Meeks, 
ith  the  plaudits  of 
ived  the  brevet  rank 
le  regular  service, 
were  so  disgusted 
re  about  to  abandon 
impletely  protected 


X. 

•mi  on  Lake  Erit— 
ctor. 

name  now  adorns 
B  entrusted,  at  tho 

with  tho  important 
•Pf 'tso  th«  British. 


HISTORY  or  TUB  LATB  WAR  "^ 

who  since  tho  surreiulor  of  Hull,  had  rode  tri- 
umphant or.  Eri«.  The  trees  th.U  prcw  on  its 
shores  were  commanded  to  descend  upon  the 
waves,  and  \mn  our  sailors  to  meet  the  haughty 
foo.  Uy  the  last  of  August,  n  fleet  was  provided, 
consisting  of  the  following  vesscls-the  Law- 
rence  of  21  guns,  Niagara  of  20,  Caledonian  of 
3,  Ariel  of  4,  Scorpion  and  Somcrs,  each  of  2, 
Tigress,  Trippe  and  ror<upinc,  each  of  1;  m  oU 
amounting  to  59  guns. 

The  British  fleet,  under  Commodore  Barclay, 
consisted  of  the  Detroit,  10  guns;  Uuoen  Char- 
lotte, 17;  Lady  Ticvost,  13;  Hunter,  10;  Little 
Bolt,  3;  Chippewa,  1;  in  all  69  guns.  TI.m  fleet 
was  consequently  superior  in  force  to  that  of  ths 
Americans,  although  on  their  side  there  was  a 
diflerence  in  the  number  of  ships. 

No  sooner  was  the  American  Commodore  o« 
the  Lake,  than  he  went  in  pursuit  of  his  antago- 
nist, who  felt  no  wish  to  decline  the  meeting. 
This,  however,  did  not  take  place  until  tiie  12tb 
of  September,  near  Put-iu-bay.  The  American 
squadron  at  anchor,  perceiving  the  British  bear- 
ing down  upon  them,  got  under  way.  The  Ame- 
rican flag  ship,  the  Lawrence,  out-sailed  the  rest 
of  the  squadron,  and  came  to  close  quarters  with 
G2 


78 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR. 


the  Queen  Charlotte  and  the  Detroit.     Against 
these  two  vesBeln  the  contest  was  heroically 
maintained  for  two  hours,  until  every  gun  was 
rendered  uecleas,  and  nearly  all  on  board  either 
killed  or  wounded.     At  this  critical  moment,  tlio 
other  American  vessels  which  had  been  kept  back 
were  coming  up,  and  the  Commodore,  with  admi- 
rable coolness,  embarked  in  his  boat  with  the  in- 
tention of  shiAing  his  flag  to  the  Niagara.    This 
was  executed  in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  fire.    Capt. 
Elliot  immediately  tteconded  his  views,  and  whila 
Perry  led  up  this  vessel  in  a  handsome  style,  vo- 
lunteered to  bring  the  other  vessels  into  action. 
The  Commodore  breaking  through  the  enemy's 
line,  poured  out  such  tremendous  broadsides  as 
soon  compelled  the  two  largest  vessels  to  strike, 
and  the  flag  of  the  Lawrence,  which  had  been 
hauled  down,  was  again  hoisted.    The  remainder 
of  the  American  fleet  coming  up,  the  action  in  a 
few  minutes  terminated  in  tho  capture  of  the 
whole  British  squadron,  a  thing  almost  unexam- 
pled in  naval  warfare. 

"We  have  met  the  enemy,"  said  Commodore 
Perry,  "and  they  are  our  ours;"  two  ships,  two 
brigs,  one  schooner,  and  one  sloop. 


TE  WAR. 

Detroit.     Against 
St  waa  heroically 
til  every  gim  was 
all  on  board  either 
ritical  moment,  tho 
had  been  kept  back 
modoro,  with  admi- 
lis  boat  with  the  in- 
,ho  Niagara.    Thia 
I  heavy  fure.    Capt. 
tis  views,  and  whil« 
landHome  stylo,  vo- 
vessels  into  action, 
irough  the  enemy's 
lous  broadsides  as 
St  vessels  to  strike, 
:e,  which  had  been 
ed.    The  remainder 
I  up,  the  action  in  a 

tho  capture  of  the 
ing  almost  unexam- 

,"  said  Commodore 
re;"  two  ships,  two 
I  sloop. 


IIIBTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  W 

The  numlHjr  of  prisoners  exceeded  that  of  the 
captors.      Twenty-six  Americans   were  killed, 
and96  wounded.     Lieutenant  Brooks,  of  the  ma- 
rines, was  killed,  as  also  several  valuable  An.eri- 
can  ofliccrs.     The  captain  and  first  lisutcnant  of 
the  Uuecn  Charloito  were  killed;    Con.modore 
Barclay  was  sever/sly  wounded.     Tho  conduct  ol 
the  victors  to  tho  unfortunate  was,  on  this  occa- 
.ion,  marked  by  its  usual  humanity  and  gene- 

'°By*this  event,  the  field  of  glory  was  laid  open 
to  General  Harrison,  and  tho  bravo  volunteers  of 
Kentucky  and  Ohio.    Tho  choicest  troops  of  the 
West  were  already  collected  for  tho  purpose  of 
following  up  the  success  of  Perry,  if  it  shou  d 
please  Providence  to  award  it.    The  venerable 
Governor  of  Kentucky,  Samuel  Shelby,  was  at 
the  head  of  the  volunteers  of  that  state,  acconri- 
panicd  by  the  first  men  of  the  commonwealth. 
The  troops  being  taken  on  board  the  fleet,  were 
transported  totlie  Canada  side,  where  they  found 
the  villages  and  forts  evacuated,  Proctor  liavmg 
fled  iii  dismay  up  the  Thames.    After   leaving 
General  M' Arthur  to  take  command  at  Detroit, 
General  Harrison,  at  tho  head  of  about  3000  men, 
comoienced  a  rapid  march  in  pursuit  of  the  fugw 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  IVAlt. 

tivc  army.  In  a  few  days  lie  gained  upon  them 
so  rapidly  as  to  capture  considerable  quantities  ol' 
their  stores. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  it  was  discovered  that 
near  the  Moravian  towns,  within  a  few  miles 
march,  they  were  drawn  up  in  battle  array.  Ha- 
ving formed  his  troops  into  two  lines,  consisting 
of  Desha  and  Trotter's  brigades,  under  General 
Henry,  witli  the  mounted  men  of  Col.  Johnson  in 
front,  he  advanced  against  the  enemy,  who  were 
found  drawn  up  between  the  river  and  a  marsih, 
with  the  Indians  under  Tecumseh,  in  the  thick 
brushwood  of  the  swamp,  it  suddenly  suggested 
itself  to  General  Harrison,  to  make  a  charge, 
with  his  mounted  men  through  the  British  infant- 
ry drawn  up  among  the  open  beach  wood.  For- 
tune awarded  the  most  compiete  success  to  this 
suggestion.  Johnson  suddenly  dashed  through 
their  ranks,  formed  in  tiieir  rear,  and  was  prepa- 
ring to  give  them  a  fire  with  the  deadly  rifle,  when 
they  surrendered  With  the  Indians  the  contest 
waa  more  obstinate;  they  at  first  made  some 
impression  upon  the  American  infantry,  when 
Goveilfdr  Shelby  brought  up  a  regiment  to  their 
support.  The  Indians  fought  desperately  as  long 
as  the  loud  and  terrible  shout  of  Tecumsehf  en- 


hi 
b< 

ID 

8: 

ri 
a 
tl 
a 
t 
t 


-t^ 


tmm 


a,^,^.  .  ,wjl"l.!"!|p!l   ^. 


E  WAR. 

;ained  upon  them 
■iibic  quantities  of 

s  discovered  that 
bin  a  few  miles 
attle  array.     Ha- 

lines,  consisting 
IS,  under  General 
f  Col.  Johnson  in 
3nemy,  who  were 
ver  and  a  marsih, 
seh,  in  the  thick 
ddenly  suggested 

make  a  charge 
he  British  infant- 
sach  wood.  For- 
e  success  to  this 

dashed  through 
r,  and  was  prepa- 
deadly  rifle,  when 
dians  the  contest 
first  made  some 
1  infantry,  when 
regiment  to  their 
jsperalely  as  long 
if  Tecumaehf  en- 


HISTORY  OP  THE  LATE  WAR. 


bl 


couraging  them  to  persist,  could  be  heard;  but 
already  his  days  were  numbered.     Col.  Johnson 
led  a  charge  on  the  Indians  at  tlie  spot  where  it 
was  supposed  the  most  obstinate  resistance  was 
made.    A  hundred  rifles  aimed  at  him;  he  was 
covered  with  blood  and  wounds;   his  horse  was 
about  to  drop  under  him,  when  Tecumseh,  with 
savage  ferocity  sprung  towards  him,  and  was 
about  to  level  his  rifle,  when  the  Colonel  lodged 
a  pistol  ball  in  his  breast.    The  daring  American 
was  in  an  instant  brought  off  by  his  countrymen, 
and  the  Indians  fled. 

General  Proctor  had  in  the  mean  time,  made 
his  escape  by  means  of  swift  horses. 

The  conduct  of  the  Kentuckians,  who  had 
been  vilely  slandered  by  Proctor,  was  magnani- 
mous in  the  highest  degree.    They  returned  not 
evil  for  evil,  but  to  the  prisoners  in  their  posses- 
sion, many  of  whom  had  participated  in  the  hor- 
rid murders  of  the  river  Raisin,  they  were  humane 
and  attentive.    The  immediate  consequence  of 
the  defeat  of  the  allies,  and  the  death  of  Tecum- 
seh, was  a  cessation  of  hostilities  on  the  j^  of 
the  savages;  they  came  in  and  agreed  toUB^  up 
the  hatchet  on  the  side  of  the  United  States. 
The  ^yhola  of  the  North  Western  Territory  was 


L 


rrT 


82 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


once  more  in  the  possession  of  the  Americans, 
with  the  exception  of  Michilimackinac,  which 
was  not  given  up  until  the  close  of  the  war.  The 
volunteers  and  militia  returned  to  their  homes, 
and  General  Harrison  was  at  liberty  with  the 
troops  to  co-operate  with  the  forces  on  the 
Niagara. 

Commodore  Chauncey,  at  this  time,  was  mas- 
ter of  Lake  Ontario.  He  had  repeatedly  attempt- 
ed to  biing  his  antagonist  to  action,  but  in  vain. 
Several  running  fights,  however,  took  place,  in 
which  the  British  knight  displayed  great  naval 
skill  in  making  his  escape.  This  shyness  was 
not  a  little  increased  by  tljc  victory  obtained,  by 
Commodore  Perry;  in  fact,  after  this  occurrence, 
lie  studiously  avoided  coming  to  action,  with  but  a 
superiority  so  decided  as  to  leave  no  doubt  of  the 
result. 

The  nation  was  in  the  highest  degree  delighted 
with  the  gloiious  termination  of  the  Western 
war.  Fortune  appeared  to  smile  upon  their  arms 
at  last.  Canada  must  now  be  ours.  The  ad- 
minis^tion,  anxious  to  gritify  the  public  expec- 
taticHPIost  no  time  in  making  the  attempt.  The 
General  in  command  was  an  old  and  experienced 
officer  of  acknowledged  abilities;  General  Wil- 


.ATE  WAR. 

of  the  Americans, 
lilimackinac,  which 
ise  of  the  war.  The 
led  to  their  homes, 
at  liberty  with  the 
the   forces    on    the 

this  time,  was  mas- 
repeatedly  attempt- 
action,  but  in  vain. 
!ver,  took  place,  in 
splayed  great  naval 
This  shyness  was 
ictory  obtained,  by 
ler  this  occurrence, 
;o  action,  with  but  a 
ave  no  doubt  of  the 

3st  degree  delighted 
n  of  the  Western 
lile  upon  their  arms 
be  ours.  The  ad- 
y  the  public  expec- 
l  the  attempt.  The 
lid  and  experienced 
ities;  (reneraj  WiU 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  83 

kJttson  had  been  ordered  from  the  South,  and  in 
the  course  of  the  summer  had  assumed  the  di- 
rections of  the  military  operations  on  the  Nia- 
gara-, while  General  Hampton,   miothcr  ofiiccr 
of  experience,  took  command  of  the  forces  at 
Pittsburgh.    The  Secretary,  General  Armsirong, 
possessed  the  confidence  of  the  nation  for  his 
capacity  and   the  vigorous   measures  which  ho 
seemed  to  adopt.     Tins  officer,  m  order  to  be 
near  the  field  of  action,  and  direct  the  movements 
of  the  army,  established  his  office  near  the  fron- 
tier. 

The  army  of  (Jencral  Wilkinson,  in  the  month 
of  October,  was  transferred  to  Sacket's  Harbor, 
leaving  but  a  small  number  of  troops  on  the  Ni- 
agara, where  General  Harrison  did  not  arrive 
until  sometime  after  his  departure.     The  desti- 
nation of  the  army  was  studiously  concealed. 
Such  dispositions  wc.-c  made,  however,  as  indu- 
ced the  enemy  to  believe,  that  the  design  was  to 
attack  Kingston,  while  the  intention  was  in  reality 
to  descend  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  forming 
a  junction  with  General .  Hampton,  proceed  di- 
rectly to  Montreal,  thus  completely  girdli^the 
tree,  and  mastering  all  Upper  Canada.     The  sea- 
son, however,  was  so  far  advanced,  and  this  al- 


84  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

though  practicable  the  first  year,  had  becoma 
'  much  more  difficult  from  the  tiirte  which  had  been 
allowed  the  enemy  to   discipline  their  militia, 
augment  their  forces,  and  fortify  the  river. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  3d  of  November, 
that  General  Wilkinson  could  get  fairly  under 
way,  while  he  began  already  to  experience  Uie 
severity  of  the  season.     The  British  were  aftx- 
iously  watching  his  movements.     Choosing  a 
dark  night,  ho  passed  the  fortified  post  called 
Prescott,  but  not  undiscovered:  in  his  descent  he 
was  very  much  annoyed  by  their  musquetry,  and 
the  next  morning  they  were  found  hanging  upon 
his  rear,  with  all  the  force  that  could  be  collected. 
Having  to  cross  the  Rapids  of  the  river,  of  about 
eight  miles  in  length.  General  Brown  was  detach- 
ed with  a  considerable  force  to  cleair  the  way  for 
the  passage  of  the  flotilla.     This  was  not  effected 
without  considerable  difficulty;  General  Brown, 
after  a  smart  skirmish,  dispersed  the  enemy,  but 
it  being  too  late  to  proceed,  the  flotilla  lay  by  for 
the  night.    In  the  morning,  when  about  to  pro- 
ceed, a  considerable  force  was  discovered  in  the 
rea#n  the  Canada  side;   a  halt  waf^  therefore 
commanded,  while  Gen.  Boyd  was  ordered  to 
face  about  with  hir  brigade  and  beat  off"  the  cne- 


ITE  WAR. 

year,  had  beconwJ 
iirte  which  had  been 
pline  their  miUtia, 
tify  the  river- 
B  3d  of  November, 
Id  get  fairly  under 
,r  to  experience  the 
e  British  were  anx- 
lents.     Choosing  a 
fortified  post  called 
id:  in  his  descent  he 
heir  musquetry,  and 
found  hanging  upon 
it  could  be  collected, 
of  the  river,  of  about 
il  Brown  was  detach- 
to  cleair  the  way  for 
This  was  not  effected 
Ity;  General  Brown, 
ersed  the  enemy,  but 
the  flotilla  lay  by  for 
,  when  about  to  pro- 
was  discovered  in  the 
a  halt  wnt*"  therefore 
Joyd  was  ordered  to 
and  beat  off  the  cne- 


inaroRY  of  the  late  war. 

my     Tlie  Americans  were  drawn  up  in  three 
columns,  commanded  by  Generals  Covington, 
Swartwout  and  Coles.    ARer  a  warm  action  which 
lasted  an  hour,  in  which  the  enemy  were  obliged 
to  give  way  before  the  bayonet,  they  were  at 
length  compelled  to  ret.cat.     The  Americans 
having  expended  their  amunition,  were  obliged 
to  make  a  retrogade  movement.    A  violent  storm 
arose  about  the  same  time,  which,  together  with 
the  approach  of  night,  contributed  to  dear  the 
field  of  battle.     From  the  place  in  which  it  was 
fought,  this  has  been  called  the  battle  of  Chryst- 
ler's  field;   on  the  American  side  there  were 
about  1600;   the  force  of  the  British  was  about 
the  same.    The  American  loss  was  339  in  kiUed 
and  wounded;  among  the  former,  General  Co- 
vington, a  brave  and  gallant  officer.   The  enemy  » 
loss  is  supposed  to  have  been  siill  greater.   There 
is  no  doubt  of  their  defeat,  as  they  were  thence- 
forth compelled  to  suffer  the  Americans  to  con- 
tinue their  course  unmolested.     Generf '  Wilkin- 
son, on  reaching  Ogdensburg,  had  sent  orders  .o 
General  Hampton,  to  meet  him  at  SL  Re£S,  at 
which  place  he  had  now  arrived  without  fttding 
him.    This  officer,  from  the  disclosure  made  to 
him  of  the  state  of  General  Wilkinson's  sup- 
H 


86 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


,    5 


plies,  and  from  the  distance  ho  would  bo  placed 
from  his  magazines,  together  with  the  great  dif- 
ficulty of  transportation  on  account  of  the  bad- 
ness of  the  roads,  had  concluded  to  take  upon 
himself  the  responsibility  of  consulting  these  cir- 
cumstances. He  had  therefore  attempted  to 
penetrate  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  in  another  dirM- 
tion,  but  without  success,  and  after  falling  bafk 
at  a  place  called  the  Four-Corners,  where  he 
waited  the  orders  of  the  commander-in-chief, 
professing  still  a  willingness  to  co-operate  in  any 
plan  he  might  adopt.  Thus  terminated  the  mighty 
invasion  of  Canada,  from  which  so  much  was 
expected.  The  commanding  General  threw  the 
hlame  upon  Hampton,  and  the  Secretary  of  War 
on  both.  But  the  truth  is,  the  season  was  too  far 
advanced,  and  the  force  was  not  sufficient  for  the 
contemplated  enterprise.  The  disappointment  to 
the  nation,  however  tended  to  bring  into  discredit 
the  leaders  of  this  caoipaign,  which  turned  out 
80  barren  of  glory.  The  army  retired  into  win- 
ter cpiarters. 

This  military  movement  was  calculated  only 
on  success;  no  allowance  was  made  for  the  pos- 
sibility of  a  failure.  Its  bad  effects  were  soon 
experienced.      General  Harrison  had  received 


ick 


ATE  WAR. 

ho  would  bo  placed 
r  with  tho  great  dif- 
ccount  of  the  bad- 
luded  to  take  upon 
ionsulting  these  cir- 
efore  attempted  to 
e,  in  another  dir 
I  after  falling  baff 
Corners,  where  he 
;omniander-in-chief, 
!o  co-operate  in  any 
rniinated  tho  mighty 
liich  so  much  was 

General  threw  tho 
;  Secretary  of  War 
3  season  was  too  far 
lot  sufficient  for  the 
e  disappointment  to 

bring  into  discredit 
,  which  turned  out 
ny  retired  into  win- 

ras  calculated  only 
8  made  for  the  pos- 
1  effects  were  soon 
rison   had  received 


H18T0RY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  87 

orders  to  move  down  tho  St.  Lawrence  and  join 
tho  army;  the  whole  Niagara  frontier  was  l«ft  un- 
protected. Gen,  M'Clure,  who  was  left  in  com- 
mand at  fort  George,  finding  tliat  the  enemy  was 
approaching  in  considerable  numbers,  blew  up  the 
fort  and  evacuated  the  Canada  side,  at  tho  same 

to  burning  the  village  of  Newark,  situated  n«ar 
fort;  an  act  at  the  time  universally  censured 
and  lamented  in  the  United  States,  and  which  the 
government  took  tho  earliest  opportunity  to  disa- 
vow.    It  seems  that  the  General  had  received 
orders  to  burn  the  village,  in  case  it  should  be 
found  necessary  for  defence;  misconceiving  the 
orders,  he  sat  fire  to  the  place  on  hi*  departure. 
His  conduct  was  committed  to  »  Court  of  Inquiry, 
who  passed  a  severe  censure  on  it.     The  British, 
not  content  with  this,  crossed  the  river  in  consid- 
erable force,  took  fort  Niagara  by  BUjpnse,  put 
the  garrison  to  death,  and  then  laid  was^e  with 
fire  and  ssvord,  the  whole  frontier  from  10  to  15 
miles.     The  flourishing  village  of  Buflaloe  was 
laid  in  ashes,  together  witli  several  others.     It 
was  afterwards  declared  by  Sir  George  Provost, 
that  he  was  satiafied  with  this  mr^le  mature  of 
retaKatim. 


Mi 
ill 

I  ■:  '1 

n" 
11 


i-j 


^  HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

CHAPTER  XL 

War  0H  the  Atlantic  Sea   Coast— Disgraceful 
conduct  of  the  British. 

Thk  first  year  of  the  war,  found  Ensland  too 
busily  engaged  in  the  great  events  of  ^rope,^ 
think  of  bending  her  mind  to  the  contest  wft 
America.  Excepting  a  general  proclamation  of 
blockade,  our  Atlantic  coast  was  not  molested. 
In  the  year  1813,  she  set  about  carrying  on  hos- 
tilities in  a  more  serious  manner.  She  had  threat- 
ened much  of  burning  all  the  American  sea-port 
towns,  aud  laying  waste  the  country.  She 
thought  to  intimidate  us  by  these  barbarous 
threats. 

In  the  month  of  March,  the  Poictiers  made  ber 
appearance  in  the  Delaware,  and  tending  out 
shallops  commenced  a  species  of  marai.'ling  war. 
fare.  The  property  of  private  citizens  was  the 
object  of  their  ambition.  By  the  rules  of  war, 
the  persons  and  property  of  non-combatants  are 
exempted  from  the  devastations  of  war.  With- 
out benefiting  the  cause  for  which  they  fought, 
the  British  mined  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
country.    Admiral  Beresford,  the  CQjnmandcr  of 


ATE  WAR. 


XI. 


Coast — Disgraceful 
British. 

found  Ensland  too 
J  vents  of  !^rope,^ 
to  the  contest  wft 
eral  proclamation  of 
I  was  not  molested. 
>ut  cariying  on  hos- 
ier. She  had  threat- 
B  American  sea-port 
the  country.  She 
>y  these    barbarous 

B  Poictiers  made  ber 
Bf  and  (:cnding  out 
»  of  maruh'ling  war> 
Eite  citizens  was  the 
(y  the  rules  of  war, 

non-combatants  are 
ions  of  war.     With- 

which  they  fought, 
ho  inhabitants  of  the 
I,  the  c(^nmandcr  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  ^ 

the  sqtiadron,  made  a  demand  on  the  inhabitants 
of  Lowistown  for  wnter  and  provisions,  and  on 
being  refused,  he  made  an  ineffectual  attempt  to 
obtain  them  by  compulsion,  by  bombarding  the 
place.  The  militia  under  Col.  Davis  and  Major 
Hunter,  manfully  resisted  every  attack. 

From  the  Delaware  they  proceeded  to  the 
Aesapeake,  where  their  course  was  marked  by 
the  most  lawless  depredations  and  conflagrations. 
The  genius  of  history  blushes  as  she   records 
them.    There  is  not  one  solitary  act  of  benevo- 
lence or  magnanimity,  to  rescue  the  character  of 
the  British  oflScers  and  seamen  from  the  dark  dis- 
grace.    Indiscriminate   havoc  was  every  were 
committed.     One  of  their  first  exploits  was  plun- 
dering and  destroying  the  small  village  of  French- 
town,  a  place  of  mercantile  deposit,  and  transit 
on  Elk  river.     From  Frenchtown  they  proceeded 
to  Havre  de  Grace,  whore  they  perpetrated  the 
grossest  outrages  on  decency  and  humanity  with- 
out the  slightest  pretext.   ,  Every  house  of  this 
little  village  was  consigned  to  the  flames,  and  a 
scene  of  most  disgraceful  plunder  was  acted,  in 
which  officers  and  men  were  mingled  alike;  the 
plunder  consisted  of  household  furniture,  bed 
clothes,  pans  and  spoons!— They  burnt  and  de- 
H3 


90  HISl'ORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

stroycd  many  valuable  nianufucteries,  after  whfch 
they  went  to  the  next  village  church,  not  to  ask 
forgivenotia  of  their  ains  but  in  order  to  wreak 
their  vengeance  on  this  peaceful  dwelling,  by  do- 
facing  it  in  the  moat  Bhumefnl  manner.  After 
this  they  perpetrated  the  same  acts  on  the  two 
villages  of  Fredericktown  and  Georgetown.  T^ 
unworthy  warfare  continued  until  the  latter  fm 
of  June,  when  their  movements  indicated  an  at- 
tack upon  the  town  of  Norfolk.  On  the  lower 
part  of  the  bay,  the  militia  on  several  occasions 
bravely  put  the  marauders  to  flight.  The  Virgini- 
anf<  and  Marylanders  were  frequently  called  out 
from  their  houses,  and  much  harassed  through 
the  whole  season,  from  the  continually  shilling 
scene  of  the  war.  The  coast  is  so  much  inter- 
sected with  creeks  and  rivers,  that  it  was  impos- 
sible for  any  force  to  move  rapidly  from  one  point 
to  another,  to  repel  this  desultory  warfar*;.  The 
great  object,  being  the  defence  bf  Norfolk,  the 
troops  were  kept  in  the  neighborhood  of  that 
pl&ce,  and  there  was  no  considerable  naval  force 
to  protect  the  waters. 

This  place  was  committed  to  the  charge  of 
General  Taylor,  of  the  militia  of  Virginia.  No 
■one  could  be  more  capable  of  providing  the  nu- 


I  \9 

11 


LATE  WAR. 

factories,  nftar  whfch 
(0  church,  not  to  ask 
t  in  order  to  wreak 
;ofuI  dwelling,  by  do- 
lefnl  manner.  After 
inie  acts  on  the  two 
id  Georgetown.    TJm 

until  the  latter  pfft 
ints  indicated  an  at- 
folk.  On  the  lower 
>n  several  occasions 
flight.  The  Virgini- 
frequently  called  out 
h  harassed  through 

continually  shilling 
ist  is  so  much  inter- 
B,  that  it  was  impos- 
apidly  from  one  point 
dtory  warfari.'.  The 
3nce  bf  Norfolk,  the 
eighborhood  of  that 
siderable  naval  force 

!d  to  the  charge  of 
tia  of  Virginia.  No 
of  providing  the  nu- 


H18TORV  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  9i 

merou.  minute  precautions  for  executing  the  plan, 
requisite  to  be  adopted.    The  town  of  Norfolk 
was  happily  saved  by  the  valor  of  the  marines, 
and  the  state  of  Virginia  relieved  from  a  mo.t 
dangerous  enemy;  for  had  possession  been  taken 
of  this  place,  the  enemy  could  have  done  them 
incalculable  mischief.    Wherever  the  enemy  met 
I  steady  resistance  from  the  regular  troops  or 
mi'    a,  after  this,  they  retreated  precipitately  to 
boats,  -or  returned  to  their  fleet.     The  chief 
leader  in  this  warfare,  so  dishonorable  to  the 
British  nation,  was  Admiral  Cockburn,  whose 
conduct  was  on  every  occasion,  that  of  a  fero- 
cious,  unfeeling  buccanier.  .HI 

On  the  2lBt  of  June,  the  movements  mcidated 
an  attack  on  Craney  Island,  and  on  the  next  day 
they  landed  upwards  of  200  men,  for  the  purpose 
of  assailing  the  batteries  on  the  west  end  of  the 
Island.     Shortly  after  the  debarkation  of  these 
troops;  forty-five  or  fifty  boats  filled  with  sailors 
and  marines,  left  the  shipping  and  approached  he 
norUi  side  of  the  Island.     Thenaval  force  of  the 
United  States,  united  in  the  defence  of  the  post 
The  enemy  was  completely  beaten  ofl".    His  loss 
was  not  less  than  200,  besides  deserters.     Four 
or  five  barges  were  sunk.    The  Centipede,  50 


02 


HlftTORY  or  THE  F,ATE  WAR. 


feet  long,  Admiral  Warren- n  boat,  with  24  oar* 
waa  captured,  with  '^  prisoners,  a  brass  three 
pounder,  and  a  );,iuiber  of  uviiskets,  pistols  and 
cutlasttos.  Forty  [!  v^^h  des«!  i  i-s  were  brought 
in,  and  many  others  tcitif.  r!isi^>,i.<ed  through  the 
country.  There  woe  not  i  n\:.  mnn  lost  on  the 
American  side  during  the  day. 

The  enemy  exasperated  al  thin  inglorious  m- 
tempt,  in  order  to  give  a  lose  to  his  thirst  for  re- 
venge, ii...!  >l\  <?d  to  attack  the  village  of  Hampton, 
lower  down  the  bay.  On  the  25th  of  Juno,  ho 
landed  2,u*)0  men,  and  after  a  gallant  resistance 
on  tho  part  of  th.;  inilitia  and  a  few  regulars  who 
were  there,  the  U'vn.  was  taken.  The  scene 
wivi*;h  ensMod,  far  ad;  issed  any  thing  before  act- 
ed by  the  ferocious  enemy  with  whom  wo  had 
to  cor  .end;  such  conduct  should  be  held  up  to 
universal  execration,  in  order  that  the  condemna- 
tion of  public  opinion  may  prevent  the  recurrence 
of  the  like  among  civilized  people.  The  utmost 
licentiousness  was  permitted  in  the  treatment  of 
the  unfortunate  females  who  fell  into  the  power  of 
the  enemy:  without  regard  to  their  respectability 
in  society,  they  were  seized  by  ruiHans,  and 
se>'eral  of  them  actually  died  in  consequence-  of 
the  shocking  treatment  they  receive^.    A  poqr 


B      i 


[ATK  WAR. 

boat,  witli  24  oara 
Incra,  a  brass  three 
r  ifuketN,  pistols  and 
!  -8  were  brought 
^i  .  cd  through  the 
I'c  in,oa  lost  on  the 

thin  inglorious  A- 
9  to  his  thirst  for  re- 
nllage  of  Hampton, 
he  25th  of  June,  ho 
k  gallant  resistance 
a  few  regulars  who 
taken.     The  scene 
any  thing  before  act- 
with  whom  wo  had 
lould  be  held  up  to 
r  that  the  condemna- 
ivent  the  recurrence 
eoplo.     The  utmost 
in  the  treatment  of 
ell  into  the  power  of 
their  respectability 
d  by  ruffians,  and 
in  consequence  of 
receive^.    A  poc^r 


i 


i 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Sciences 

Corporalion 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


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CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historlques 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.  ^ 

old  man,  eick  a-bed,  was  set  upon  by  tlicm  and 
shot  in  the  arms  of  his  aged  wife,  who  was  also 
wounded,  and  their  faithful  dog  was  put.to  death. 
The  sick  in  the  hospitals  were  not  spared,  and 
every  act  of  savage  violence  was  committed,  ap- 
parently without  any   attempt  to  restrain  the  per- 
petrators.   A  letter  on  the  subject  of  this  infa- 
mous conduct,  so  deeply  implicating  the  character 
of  the  British  nation,  was  addressed  by  General 
Taylor  to  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith,  who  at  first  sta- 
ted  that  it  was  in  retaliation  for  the  shooting   a 
man  at  Craney  Island,  while  he  hung  to  a  barge 
that  had  overset.     A  Court  of  Inquiry  was  imme- 
diately instituted,  which  completely  disproved  the 
charge;  on  this  being  communicated  to  Sir  Sid- 
ney, he  sent  a  verbal  reply,  that  he  was  sorry  for 
the  excesses  committed  by  his  troops,  but  that  he 
would  in  future  prevent  the  falling  into  such  con- 
duct.    A  savage  chieftain  could  have  alleged  the 
same  kind  of  excuse,  for  the  ungovernable  war- 
riors whom  he  led.    The  subject  underwent  an 
examination  before  a  committee  of  Congress,  who 
reported  upon  it  in  terms  as  strong  as  language 
could  express  them. 

Having  thus  given  an  account  of  what  hap- 
pened on  the  coast,  a  war  which  redounded  so 


.  .*^^:^--»w^  *^r"' 


94 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


little  to  tJie  honor  of  England,  wo  shall  pass  in 
review  the  important  war  of  the  >Sonth  with  the 
Creek  Indians,  which  was  closely  connected  with 

-0\e  hpstilities  with  England.  Very  soon  after  the 
coinmencemcnt  of  the  war,  the  Seminole  Indians 

■on  Ih^  borders  of  Georgia,  with  a  number  of  run- 
ajray  negroes  began  to  make  inroads,  and  to  in- 
fest the  frontiers.  On  the  11th  of  September, 
1812,  Captain  Williams,  of  the  marines,  convoy- 
ing some  wagons,  loaded  with  military  supplies, 
was  attacked  by  a  party  of  these  people,  and 
compelled  to  retreat  with  the  loss  of  several 
hundred  men,  himself  receiving  a  wound  of  which 
he  afterwards  died.  Towards  the  close  of  the 
same  month.  Col.  Norman,  with  about  120  Geor- 
gia volunteers,  proceeded  towards  the  Latchway 
towns,  with  a  view  of  chastising  the  savages. 
He  was  attacked  by  a  large  body  of  Indians,  and 
after  a  sharp  conllict  compelled  them  to  fly,  lea- 
ving their  king,  Paine,  on  the  ground;  after  re- 
peated efforts  to  regain  the  dead  body,  they  at 
length  succeeded  by  bringing  up  additional  num- 
bers, after  which  they  moved  off.  They  soon 
after  returned,  however,  with  a  still  more  power- 
ful party;  the  (ieorgians  apprehending  this,  had 
hastily  thrown  up  a  breast  work,  in  which  they 


\TE  WAR. 

[1,  wo  sliall  pass  in 
tlie  vSontli  with  the 
scly  connected  with 
Very  soon  after  the 
c  Seminole  Indians 
tha  number  of  run- 
inroads,  and  to  in- 
llth  of  September, 
le  marines,  convoy- 
:h  military  supplies, 
■  these  people,  and 
he  loss  of  several 
ig  a  wound  of  which 
ds  the  close  of  the 
ith  about  120  Geor- 
vards  the  Latchway 
tising  tiie  savages, 
odyof  Indians,  and 
ed  them  to  fly,  lea- 
e  ground;  after  re- 
dead  body,  they  at 
;  up  additional  num- 
ed  off  They  soon 
I  a  still  more  power- 
irehending  this,  had 
rork,  in  which  they 


HISTORY  OF  TIIF.  LATE  WAR. 


95 


were  closely  besi.irod.     The  s.ege  wan  kept  up 
for  .some  dui's,  nniil  they  found  it  impn8sd)le  to  do 
anything,  on  wl.irh  they  retired,  but  returned  m 
a  little  while  under  the  belief  from  the  stdlntss 
which   reigned  in  the  camp  that  the  Americans 
had  abandoned   it.     On   crow.ling  up  to  it  they 
were  saluted  witli  a  volley  or  two  which  sent  them 
howling  to  the  woods.     After  this  the  Georgians 
decamped   and  reached  the  place  from  whence 
they  set  out  after  cncauntcring  no  small  degree 
oflatigue.     This  aftairhad  a  most  favorable  op- 
eration on  the  minds  of  the  savage.,  who  were 
thenceforth  exceedingly  shy  of  the  settlors. 

A  more  serious  wtir  broke  out  in  the  course  of 
the  veav   1S13,   with   the  Creek    nation.     Ihc 
American  government  had  taken  great  pams  to 
.ivilize  thi..  people,  and  had  spared  no   expense 
to  eflee<  this  bun  ano  object.     Hnt  its  endeavor- 
had  met  with  no  more  than  a  P^^t'^>  ^"'';7«;,  ^^ 
n.anvof  the  nat.es  obstinately  adhered  to  theu 
Indian  manners,  and  violently  opposed  the  intro- 
Auctions  of  the  acts  of  civilization.     The  cele- 
brated Tccumseli  had  paid  them  a  v.s.t  in  ^vhlch 
he  threw  among  them  additional  causes  of  dis- 
cord.     A  civil  war  took  place  and  the  savag.  part 
of  the  nation  proving  the  strongest,  the  re9t^;ere 


90 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


either  compelled  to  fly,  or  to  join  those  who  were 
for  war  with  the  United  Statcsi.  A  wonderful  de- 
gree of  superstition  and  fanatacism  were  brought 
into  play  on  the  occasion  ;  led  to  believe  by  their 
priests  or  magicians,  they  would  certainly  defeat 
us  by  the  assistance  of  their  potent  cliarms.  The 
crcdul  /»s  creatures  were  persuaded  by  these  con- 
jurers, to  destroy  all  their  cattle,  so  that  there 
should  be  nothing  among  them  tiiat  wore  the 
appearance  of  civilization.  They  were  further 
stimulated  by  the  British  agents,  who  also  gave 
them  some  supply  of  arms,  and  made  them  pro- 
mises of  assistance.  It  was  not,  however,  until 
towards  the  close  of  August  that  hostilities  open- 
ly commenced  on  their  part ;  but  this  was  a  com- 
mencement of  the  most  shocking  kind. 

Foreseeing  the  coming  storm,  the  settlers  on 
the  Mobile  and  Alabama  had  collected  in  small 
forts  or  stations,  erectc  d  for  their  security.  At 
one  of  these  called  fort  Miras,  about  300  persons, 
men,  women  and  children  had  taken  refuge. — 
It  was  defended  by  Major  Bcasly,  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Territory,  with  about  130  volunteers.  A 
party  of  500  Creeks  suddenly  appeared  before 
this  place  and  attacked  it  at  noonday.  Unfortu- 
nately the  gate  happened  to  be  open,  and  the  In- 


LATE  WAR. 

a  join  those  who  were 
test.  A  wonderful  de- 
latncism  were  brought 
led  to  believe  by  their 
would  certainly  defeat 
ir  potent  charms.  The 
3r8uaded  by  these  on- 
r  cattle,  so  that  there 
[  them  tiiat  wore  tho 
They  were  further 
igcnts,  who  also  gave 
,  and  made  them  pro- 
as not,  however,  until 
it  that  hostilities  open- 
t ;  but  this  was  a  com- 
tcking  kind, 
storm,  the  settlers  on 
liad  collected  in  small 
for  their  security.  At 
rns,  about  300  persons, 
J  had  taken  refuge. — 
Bcasly,  of  the  Missis- 
it  130  volunteers.  A 
denly  appeared  before 
at  noonday.  Unfortu- 
3  be  open,  and  the  In- 


IIISTORY  OF  THE  L,\TE  WAR.  O? 

dians  rushed  towards  it  witii  a  hideous  shout. 
The  Major  attempted  to  clossc  tlic  gate,  and  act- 
c.l  bravely  wliil^tlifo  rrmmned,  but  lie  soon  fell 
mortally  wounded.     'I'lie  Indians  were  at  length 
repelled  Hitli  tho  exception  of  a  few  who  had  ta- 
ken the  block-house,  iVom  which  they  were  after 
some  lime  dislodf^ed.     A  second  assault  was  now 
made  which  unhappily  proved  more  successful. 
A  breach  was  made  in  the  pickets,  and  the  sava- 
ges gained  possession  of  the  arcaofthe  fort,  but 
not  without  loss.     From  tho  houses  or  barracks 
in  which  the  troops  bad  taken  shelter,  a  fight  was 
still  kept  up  for  some  time,  but  they  succeeded  in 
settinjr  fire  to  the  roofs.     Dreadful  were  the  ago- 
nizing shrieks  of  the  wretched  victims  of  this  in- 
fernal tragedy.     With  the  exception  of  a  few  pri- 
vates who  made  their  escape  over  tho  pickets, 
the  whole  of  these  unhappy  people   perished  by 
savage  violence,  or  were  consumed  by  the  ilamcs. 
This  altrocious  outrage  demanded  a  prompt  re- 
taliation.    The  Indians  having  thus  wantonly  vi- 
olated the  peace  which  had  been  for  so   many 
years  established  between  them  and  tho  wliitcs, 
the  governments  of  the  nearest  states,  of  Georgia 
and  Tennessee,  an<l  also  the  Mississippi  territo- 
ry, without  dcliiy  concerted  mcaf-urcs  for  carrying 
I 


r^ 


.,■ 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR 


war  into  the  country  of  tlic  Creeks.  To  do  this 
cnectively,  was  tlie  only  way  to  ensure  safety  to 
the  exposed  frontiers,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
prevent  the  rising  of  tlic  other  southern  Indians. 
There  is  hut  little  douht,  that  all  this  might  have 
heon  prevented,  if  the  United  States  had  conde- 
scended to  employ  the  Indians  in  the  prevailing 
war.  The  infernal  policy  of  the  British  govern- 
ment in  employing  and  exciting  these  short  sight- 
ed people  was  the  cause  of  the  unhappy  fate  which 
as  a  jtiHt  retrihution  overtook  the  Creeks.  A  sc- 
ries of  brilliant  victories  over  this  desperate  and 
deluded  foe,  gained  by  (ienerals  Floyd  of  Geor- 
gia, CoQee,  White  and  .lackson,  of  Tennessee, 
in  the  course  of  one  season  humbled  them  into 
the  dust. 

On  the  shortest  notice,  Gen.  Jackson  brought 
together  a  brigade  of  mounted  riflemen  and  cav- 
alry, and  immediately  penetrated  the  Creek  coun- 
try. On  the  2nd  of  November,  he  detached 
CJeneral  Coffee  with  about  900  men  to  destroy 
the  Tullushatches  town,  where  a  considerable 
body  of  Creek  wi-rriors  had  assembled.  A  party 
was  sent  to  draw  them  out,  which  completely 
v«<uccceded,  and  the  Creeks  suddenly  found  them- 
j-elvcs  directly  opposed  to  the  whole  American 


:  LAtF.  WAR. 

(  Creeks.  To  do  this 
iiy  to  ensure  safety  to 
I  at  the  same  time  to 
thcr  southern  Indians, 
lat  all  this  might  have 
ited  States  had  condc- 
dians  in  the  prcvaihng 
of  the  British  govern- 
liting  those  short  sight- 
'  the  unhappy  fate  which 
)ok  the  Creeks.  A  sc- 
>ver  this  desperate  and 
onerals  Floyd  of  Geor- 
acksoii,  of  Tennessee, 
on  humbled  them  into 

Gen.  Jackson  brought 
inted  riflemen  and  cav- 
jtrutcd  the  Creek  coun- 
Dvember,  he  detached 
it  900  men  to  destroy 
where  a  considerable 
ad  assembled.  A  party 
out,  which  completely 
IS  (suddenly  found  them- 
0  the  whole  American 


niSTOUY  OF  THE  I.ATE  WAR 


99 


force  They  notwithatanding  fought  with  aston- 
ishing desperation,  but  at  last  wore  compelled  to 
retreat  to  their  village,  where  they  contmued 
their  resistance,  obstinately  refusing  quarters  un- 
til every  one  perished.  The  women  and  children 
of  the  villag.',  to  the  number  of  eighty,  were  ta- 
ken prisoners.     Coflee  had  five  men  kdled,  and 

41  slightly  wounded. 

In  the  morning  of  the  7th,  a  friendly   Indmn 
brought  intelligence  to  Gen.  Jackson,  that  about 
thirty  miles  below  his  camp,  there  was  a  number 
of  Creeks  collected  at  a  place  called  Talledega, 
engaged  in  besieging  some  friendly  Indians,  who 
must  inevitably  perish  unless  speedily  relieved. 
He  marched  at  12  o'clock  the  same  night,  at 
the  head  of  1200  men,   and  arrived  withm  six 
miles  of  the  place  next  evening.     At  midnight  he 
again  advanced,  and  at  7  o'clock  was  within  a 
mile  of  the  enemy.     Having  approached  almost 
unperceived,  within  80  yards  of  the  Indians,  the 
battle  commenced  on  their  part  with  great  fury, 
but  being  reimbed  on  all  sides,  they  attempted 
to  make  their  escape,  but  soon  found  themselves 
inclosed ;  but  two  companies  at  first  giving  way, 
a  space  was  left  through  which  a  con||ieiab!a 
number  of  U»o  enemy  escaped,  and  were  puleucd 


/r 


u 


I  4 


100         HISTOIIY  OF  THE  LATF,  WAR. 

to  llie  mountains  with  great  bldfcl^htor.  In  tliis 
fiction  the  Aniorican  Ions  w;is  15  killeil  jiinl  80 
wounded.  Thfit  of  llio  Creck»  was  Httlu  >*hort 
of  .100;  thoir  Whole  force  exceudod  KMK). 

(icncrni  CooIk;,  who  conunundod  the  other  di- 
vision of  Tennessee  loihtia,  on  tlic  lltli  detacli- 
ed  (len.  White  from  fort  nriiiHtrong,  wh(;re  ho  was 
encamped,  against  the  lioslilc  towns  on  tlie  Tal- 
lapooso  River.  After  marcliinr!;  the  wliolc  night 
of  the  17tii,  lie  surprised  tv  town  at  day-hglit,  con- 
taining upwards  of  300  warriors,  CO  of  wliom 
were  killed  and  the  rest  taken  prisoners.  Hav- 
ing burnt  .several  of  their  villages  which  had  been 
deserted,  lie  returned  on  the  ;j:3d,  without  loosing 
a  single  man. 

The  Georgia  militia,  under  G'cn.  Floyd,  advan- 
ced into  the  Creek  country,  about  the  last  of  tho 
month.  Receiving  information  that  great  num- 
bers of  Indians  were  coUerted  on  the  Autossco 
towns,  on  the  Tallapoosc  river,  a  place  they  call- 
ed their  beloved  ground,  and  where,  according  to 
their  prophets,  no  white  man  could  molest  them, 
Gen.  Floyd,  placing  himself  at  the  head  of  90O 
militia,  and  400  friendly  Creeks,  marched  from 
his  cMMnpmcnt  on  the  Catahouchic.  On  the 
cvciii^f  tho  3Sth,  ho  encamped  within  ten  mile« 


I  LATF.  WAR. 

cat  sl^bghtcr.  In  this 
was  15  killed  jiii.l  80 
rroelvM  was  Httlc  f*Ii'jrl 
excfcdod  lOiK). 
inun;ind(Ml  the  other  di- 
lia,  on  the  lltli  dctach- 
iiiHtrfing,  whore  ho  was 
jlilc  towns  on  tl»e  Tal- 
rcliinr;  the  wliolc  night 
I  town  at  day-hglit,  con- 
warriors,  CO  of  whom 
akcn  prisoners!.  Ilav- 
villafjps  wiiicii  had  been 
ho  ;j:3d,  without  loosing 

idcrGen.  Floyd,  advan- 
•y,  about  the  last  of  tho 
nation  that  great  num- 
lierted  on  the  Autot-sco 
1  river,  a  place  they  cuU- 
and  where,  according  to 
man  could  molest  them, 
self  at  the  head  of  90O 
Creeks,  marched  from 
Catahouchic.  On  tho 
icnnipod  within  ten  mile« 


HISTORY  or  Tiir.  i..\Tr.  war.       lO* 

of  the  place,  and  resuming  his  march  at  1  o'clock, 
he  reached  tiie  towns  altout  six,  and  commenced 
an  attack  upon  both  at  the  same  moment.     HIh 
troops  were  met  by  the  Indians  with  fjroat  brave- 
ry; and  it  was  not  until  nt>er  a  Neverc  battle,  that 
they  were  forced  by  his  musketry  and  bayonets, 
to  fly  to  the  thickets  and  copse  in  the  rear  of  tht) 
towns.     In  the  course  of  three  hours,  tho  enemy 
was   completely  defeated,   and   the  villages   iii 
flames.     Eleven  Americans  were  killed  and  50 
wounded,  among  the  latter,  the  (General  himself; 
of  the  enemv,  it  is  s.ipposcd,  that  besides  tho 
Autossee  and  Tallnssee  kings,   upwards  of  200 
were  killed. 

This  just  retribution,  it  was  hoped,  would  bring^ 
these  wretched  creatures  to  a  proper  sense  ot 
their  situation;  but  unfortunately  it  had  not  this 
effect;  thev  still  persisted  in  their  hostditics 
against  us.  "  In  the  month  of  December,  General 
(51aiborne  marched  a  detachment  against  the 
towns  of  Eccanachaca,  on  the  Alabama  nvcr. 
On  the  23d,  he  came  suddenly  upon  them,  kdled 
30  of  their  warriors,  and  after  destroying  their 
villages,  returned  with  a  trifling  loss.  ^ 

After  the  battle  of  Talledega,  GenerafJAkson 
was  loft  with  but  a  handful   of  men,   in  conac- 
I  2 


J 


UH         HISTORY  OP  THE  I.ATE  WAR. 

qiicncc  of  the  term  of  tlic  militia  having  cxpircJ. 
On  tlio  1 1th  of  January,  lie  wan  fortunately  rein- 
forced by  S(K)  voluntecrH  from  TennnsHce,  and 
noon  after  hy  several  hundred  friendly  Indians. 
lie  was  shortly  after  joined  hy  (ien.  Coflbc,  with 
u  number  of  olliecrN,  his  militia  having  also  re- 
turned home.  On  the  17th,  with  a  view  of  making 
a  diversion  in  favor  of  (ien.  Floyd,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  relievo  fort  Armntronp,  which  was 
'  \  (suid  to  bo  threatened,  he  penetrated  the   Indian 

country.  On  the  evening  of  the  2lst,  believing 
bimHclf,  frnn?  iippeanmccH,  in  tho  vicinity  of  a 
large  body  of  Indians,  he  encamped  with  great 
precaution,  and  placed  himself  in  tho  best  attitude 
ofdefonce.  About  day-light  he  was  furiously 
nttnvked,  and  after  a  severe  contest,  the  Creeks 
were  compelled  onco  more  to  yield.  They  fled 
in  every  direction. 

Cicneral  .Tackson  being  apprehensive  of  anoth- 
er attack,   fortified  his  camp  for  the  night ;  the 
next  day  fearing  a  want  of  provisions,  ho  found 
i   III !  it  necessary  to  retreat,  and  before  night,  reached 

:    '  Enotachopco,  having  i)assed  a  dangerous  defile 

withoutJBterruption.  In  tho  morning,  he  had  to 
cross  ^lefile  still  more  dangerous,  where  he 
might  expect  an  attack;  he  therefore  determined 


\* 


E  LATE  WAR. 

)  militia  luiving  expired, 
lie  wuM  forliinatciy  rcin- 
H  I'roin  TennnsHce,  nnJ 
iidri'-d  frifiully  Indians, 
0(1  by  (icu.  t'oflec,  with 
militia  iiaviiig  also  ro- 
I,  with  a  view  of  making 
ien.  Floyd,  and  at  the 
Arnwtronp,  which  was 
3  |»enetrated  the  Indian 
g  of  the  21st,  believing 
:cH,  in  the  vicinity  of  n 
ic  encamped  with  great 
msclf  in  the  best  attitude 
•light  he  was  furiouHly 
^ere  contest,  the  Creeks 
loro  to  yield.     They  fled 

li  apprehensive  of  anoth- 
:amp  for  the  night ;  the 

of  provisions,  ho  found 
ind  before  night,  reached 
issed  a  dangerous  defde 
u  the  morning,  he  had  to 
re  dangerous,  where   he 

he  therefore  determined 


HISTORY  (»F  THE  LATE  WAR.         103 

to  pa«H  at  Home  other  point,    'r»>--^i^;;i;;::: 
arrangement,  having  heen  made  lor  the  d.Hi^ 
'^    of  his  force  in  cane  of  an  attack,  he  mo  el 
f    wizard,  the  paH«  which  ho  had  Bcected. 

T  If    nt  guard,  with  part  of  the  llauUoolamn.. 
^LwUh  the  wounded,  had  .earc.y|.o«.e 

the  creek  when  the  alarm  was  g^vea  n  the  nven 
Ick  on  in^mediatelv  gave  orders  lor  h.s  r.gh 
•  ml  1  a  columns  to  wheel  on  the.r  p>vot  and 
^KHsing  the  str.,.an,  above  and  below,  a.sad  the 
fljril  rear  ofthe  enemy.  lV.t  to  inna^^^^^^^ 
Inent  and  mortification,  when  tlu.  word  wn- 
l^e  columns  to  n.rm.  at.d  a  Ibw  p.n^^^^^^ 

fired,  thev  precipitately  gave  wav.     Th.      .n.,r 
cou,.ablemghthadvvclln.ghproj    f.t..    t 

,lrew  along  with  it  the  greater  part  of  the  contro 

::nm,le'avingnotmoretl.an25men,w..l2«g 

formed  by  Colonel    Carroll,    mamtamed    Ihcr 
;:    ndfo^timeagain.toverwlun.ngJuun. 

bcrs      Al!  that  could  now  be  opposed  to  the  ene 

;;  were  th.  few  who  remained  of  the  re.r  guard 

n>c  artdery  con,pany,  and  Capt.  Bupel  s  compa- 

^y  of  sis.    Their  conduct,  however,  was  adm.- 

X%.icut.  Armstrong,  vvith  the  utmostc.o- 

nesH  and   intrepidity,  dragged,   w.  h   ft^e   a.s 
taneo  of  a  few  more,  the  sis  pounder  up  the  hdl,. 


104 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


«- 


although  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire;  and  having 
gained  his  position,  loaded  the  piece  with  grape, 
and  fired  it  with  such  effect,  that  after  a  few  dis- 
charges the  enemy  were  repulsed.  The  Indians 
were  pursued  for  several  miles  by  Col.  Carrol, 
Col.  Higgins  and  Captains  Elliott  and  Pinkins. 
Capt.  Gordon  of  the  spies,  had  partly  succeeded 
in  turning  their  flank,  and  by  this  impetuous 
charge,  tended  to  restore  the  day.  The  Ameri- 
cans now  continued  their  march  without  further 
molestation.  In  these  different  engagements,  20 
Americans  were  killed  and  75  wounded;  in  the 
last  battle  180  of  the  Creeks  were  slain. 

Gen.  Floyd,  who  was  advancing  from  the  Cata- 
houchie,  was  attacked  in  his  camp  by  a  large  bo- 
dy of  Indians,  an  hour  before  day.  They  stole 
upon  the  sentinals,  fired  upon  them,  and  then 
rushed  with  great  impctuoaity  towards  the  line. 
The  action  soon  became  general:  the  front  of 
both  (lanks  were  closely  pressed,  but  the  firm- 
ness of  the  officer-:  and  men  repelled  theii  as- 
saults at  every  point.  As  soon  as  it  became  suf- 
ficiently light  General  Floyd  strengthened  his 
right  wing,  and  formed  his  cavalry  in  the  rear, 
then  directed  a  charge ;  the  enemy  were  driven 
before  the  bayonet,  and  being  pursued  by  the 


".a~  J  "wnw? 


HE  LATE  WAR. 

heavy  fire;  and  having 
led  the  piece  with  grape, 
fleet,  that  after  a  few  dis- 
)  repulsed.  The  Indians 
al  miles  by  Col.  Carrol, 
tins  Elliott  and  Pinkins. 
ies,  had  partly  succeeded 
and  by  this  impetuous 
•e  the  day.  The  Ameri- 
ir  inarch  without  further 
lifferent  engagements,  20 
and  75  wounded;  in  the 
eeks  were  slain, 
advancing  from  the  Cata- 
a  his  camp  by  a  large  bo- 
lefore  day.  They  stole 
3d  upon  them,  and  then 
;tuoaity  towards  the  line, 
le  general:  the  front  of 
y  pressed,  but  the  firm- 
men  repelled  theii  as- 
lS  soon  as  it  became  suf- 
Floyd  strengthened  his 
his  cavalry  in  the  rear* 
tlie  enemy  were  driven 
i  being  pursued  by  the 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATK  WAR.         ^^ 
cavalry,  many  nriWm  were  killed.    The  I os.  of 
G  n  Vloyd  was  17  killed  .nd  132  woundod.- 
Thut  of  tl  e  Indian,  could  not  be  aHCCvta.uea ;  .37 
.^e^varriors  wore  lea  dead  on  the  nod,    >ui 
;\vu»  thought  their  10.S  was  very  ronsidorable. 
It  mi"htl.c  supposed  that  these  repeatc.1  uo- 
fo.  ts  m  "ht  tend  to  destroy  the  inaueucc  of  tW 
P.:  aS  prophet,  among  th.  unhappy  Creekn ; 
but  tl  oy  s  ill  persisted  in  .he  most  unaccountable 
man       in  clploting  their  own  ru>n.     General 
Hk  on  having  received  considerable  remforc^ 
menHTrom  Tennessee,  and  being  ,omed    y  tU 
Sns  «et  out  on  an  expedition  to  the  Tallapoo- 
he.',     lie  Foceeded  from  the  Coose  on  tho 
oith  of  March    reached  tho  sov.thern  cxtronu  y 
:  the  New  Youca  on  the  ;J7th,  at  a  place  cad  d 
c  se-1  oe  bend  of  the  Coose,  where  the  creo.s 
had  d  rtcd  a  strong  natural  position,  and  hav.ng 
tiSi,  awaited  tl.oat.ackoftheirenem.es 

r  ,m,stwork  had  boon  thrown  up  acres,  tho 
neck,  of  considerable  strength  and  compactne.«^ 
tC area  thu.  enclosed  by  the  breastjvorks,  wa- 
m.  short  of  one  hundred  acres.  The  warr.orj 
'i  Oakfuskee,  Oakshaya,  H.Uebcos  ho  ^«h 
Ponds,  and  Eupata  towns,  had  collected  the>r 
force  at  this  place,  ..  number  ««eedm8  a  .boo- 

eaiul. 


100 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


GeneralJackson  finding  that  his  arrangementa 
were  now  complete,  at  length  yielded  to  tlie  eam- 
•st  solicitations  of  his  men  to  be  led  on  to  the 
charge.  The  regular  troops,  led  by  Col.  Will- 
iams and  Major  Montgomery,  were  in  a  moment 
in  possession  of  the  nearest  part  of  the  breast- 
works ;  the  militia  accompanied  them  with  equal 
firmness  and  intrepidity.  Having  maintained  for 
a  few  minutes  a  very  obstinate  contest,  muzzle 
to  muzzle,  through  the  port  holes,  they  succeeded 
in  gaining  the  opposite  side  of  the  works.  The 
event  could  no  longer  be  doubtful;  the  enemy 
although  many  of  them  fought  with  that  kind  of 
bravery  which  desperation  inspires,  were  cut  in 
pieces.  The  whole  margin  of  the  river,  which 
surrounded  the  peninsula,  was  strewed  with  the 
slain.  Five  hundred  and  fifty-seven  were  found, 
besides  those  thrown  into  the  river  by  tlieir  friends, 
or  drowned  in  attempting  to  escape.  Among  tho 
(jlain  was  their  great  prophet  Manahoe,  and  two 
others  of  less  note.  About  300  women  and  chil- 
dren were  taken  prisoners.  Jackson's  loss  was 
26  white  men  killed  and  107  wounded ;  18  Cher- 
okees  killed  and  36  wounded;  and  5  friendly 
Creeks  killed  and  11  wounded. 

This  most  decisivo  victory  put  on  snd  to  th« 


:  LATE  WAR. 

that  his  arrangementa 
;th  yielded  to  tlie  earn- 
en  to  be  led  ou  to  the 
ops,  led  by  Col.  Will- 
ery,  were  in  a  moment 
!st  part  of  the  breast- 
)anied  them  with  equal 
Having  maintained  for 
tinate  contest,  muzzle 
t  holes,  they  succeeded 
le  of  the  works.  The 
)  doubtful;  the  enemy 
ught  with  that  kind  of 
1  inspires,  were  cut  ia 
in  of  the  river,  which 
was  strewed  with  the 
fifty-seven  were  found, 
ic  river  by  tlieir  friends, 
0  escape.  Among  the 
let  Manahoe,  and  two 
1 300  women  and  chil- 
Jackson's  loss  was 
)7  wounded ;  18  Cher- 
nded;  and  5  friendly 
ided. 
tory  put  an  end  to  th« 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR.         IW 

Creek  war.    The  spirit  and  power  of  these  mis- 
guided  men  were  completely  broken;  Jackson 
soon  after   scoured  the  countries  on  the  Coose 
and  Tallapoose ;  a  party  of  the  enemy,  on  the  lat- 
ter river,  on  his  approach,  fled  to  Pensacola.- 
Thc  greater  part  of  the  Creeks  now  came  forward 
and  threw  themselves  at  the  mercy  of  the  victors. 
A  detachment  from  North  and  South  Carohna, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Pearson,  scoured 
the  country  on  Alabama,  and  received  the  submis- 
f.ion  of  a  great  number  of  Creek  warriors  and 

tlieir  prophets. 

In  the  course  of  the  summer,  a  treaty  of  jieace 
was  dictated  to  them  by  Jackson.    They  agreed 
to  yield  a  portion  of  their  country  as  an  mdeinni- 
ty  for  the  expencesof  the  war;  they  conceded  the 
privilege  of  opening  roads  through  their  country, 
and   navigating  their  rivers;  they  stipulated  to 
hold  no  intercourse  with  any  Britisher  Spanish 
post  or  garrison,  and  to  deliver  up  the  property 
they  had  taken  from  the  whites  and  friendly  Indi- 
ans.    The  General,  on  the  part  of  the  U.  States, 
undertook  to  guarantee  their  territory,  to  restore 
all  their  prisoners,  and  in  consideration  of  their 
destitute  situation,  to  furnish  them  gratmtously 
with  the  necessaries  of  life  until  they  could  pro- 


1 1 


s? 


108         HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAK. 

vJdo  for  themselves.  They  nlso  engaged  to  es- 
lablipli  trading  houses,  and  endeavor  to  bring 
back  tho  nation  to  their  lormer  state. 


'     CHAPTER  XII. 

.Vat'fl/  afairs—  War  carried  on  against  the  Eat- 
.*.'  tern  States. 

In  thn  course  ot'tho  year  1S13,  an  American 
squadron  cDn'sisllng  ul"  the  United  States,  Com- 
modore Ditcutur,  tiie  Macedonian,  Capt,  Jones, 
j.ml  tiic-  hloop  of  war  Hornet,  Capt.  Biddlc,  was 
l,l(.(kiided  in  the  harbour  of  New-York,  by  a 
Eirong  isquadron  ol'  the  enemy.  Ader  making 
several  attempts  to  escape  and  proceed  on  a  crur/.c, 
Ihcy  ran  through  tho  sound,  but  were  immediate- 
ly pursued,  and  »o  closely  as  to  be  compelled  to 
run  into  the  harbour  of  New-London.  Hero  tho 
frigates  were  towed  up  the  river  as  far  as  practi- 
cable, and  a  military  force  called  out  to  protect 
them.  The  frigates  were  detained  in  this  place 
during  almost  the  whole  of  the  war. 

On  the  29th  of  April,  1814,  Captain  Warring- 
ton, of  the  United  States  sloop  of  war  Peacock. 
fell  in  with,  and  captured  the  British  sloop  of  war 


IE  LATE  WAR. 

icy  nlso  engaged  to  es- 
inil  endeavor  to  bring 
jrmcrfttute 


ER  XII. 

ried  on  againzt  the  Ecf 
tati'S. 

year  1S13,  an  American 
he  United  States,  Com- 
icodonian,  Capt.  Jones, 
)rnet,  Capt.  Biddle,  was 
mr  of  New-York,  by  a 
eni^my.  Aller  making 
;  and  proceed  on  a  cruize, 
[id,  but  were  immediate- 
ly as  to  be  compelled  to 
^Jew-London.  Hero  th(s 
iie  river  as  far  as  practi- 
rce  called  out  to  protect 
3re  detained  in  this  place 
of  the  war. 

1814,  Captain  Warring- 
8  sloop  of  war  Peacock, 
1  the  British  sloop  of  war 


HISTORY  OP  TllK  I.ATE  WAR. 


109 


Epcrvier,  ratine  and  mountine;  eighteen  32  pound 
carronades,  with  a  crow  of  1.J8  men  In  the  ac- 
tion the  Eporvior  had  11  killed  and  lu  wounded, 
among  the  latter  her  first  lieutenant,  severely.  Un 
board  of  the  Peacock,  n<Haman  was  killed,  and 
but  two  were  wounded.  The  Epervier  was  almost 
cut  to  pieces,  while  the  American  vessel,  in  lit- 
tecn  minutes  after,  was  fit  for  action  On  l)oard 
the  prize  was  found  upwards  of  100,000  dollars 
in  specie,  which  were  taken  out,  after  which  she 
was  sent  to  Savannah  under  Lieutenant  Nichol- 
son, where  she  arrived  safely. 

Anothe-.  victory,  no  loss  brilhnnl  joHowed  close 
after.  The  sloop  of  war  Was,.,  C.pt.  lilakcly, 
ensra.'cd  and  after  an  action  of  10  mmutos,  cap- 
l.ired"  the  British  Sloop  lleiudr.or  of  supmor 
force.  The  Reindeer  was  desperately  tought  and 
♦  he  execution  on  both  ships  was  very  great..— 
Two  attempts  were  made  by  the  enemy  to  board, 
with  no  success.  The  prize  was  so  much  injur- 
ed that  it  was  found  impracticable  to  brmg  her  in  : 
5.he  was  accordingly  set  on  t^ro  and  blown  up. 
The  Wasp  had  5  killed,  the  other  -23  killed  and 
42  wounded.  . 

The  Wasp,  after  putting  into  L  Orient  to  repair, 
and  to  dispose  of  her  prisoners,  again  sailed  out 
on  the  37th  of  August.  She  had  not  been  long 
out  until  a  second  opportunity  occurred  of  put- 
ting her  prowess  to  the  test.  On  the  first  of 
September,  she  fell  in  witli  the  Avon,  and  after  a 
short  but  warm  engagement,  this  vessel  was  com- 
pelled to  strike,  but  when  possession  was  about 
to  be  taken  of  the  prize,  the  Cast.Uan,  a  brig  ot 
K 


fe 


lil^l 


t 


ri ' 


'^i 


110         HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR- 

18  euns  was  descried;  preparaticn  was  ynniwh- 
fttcly  made  for  action,  but  tlie  appearance  of  two 
other  vessels,  and  tiie  Avon  at  the  same  tim« 
making  signals  of  distresn,  the  Wasp  bore  away. 
The  \Va8p  afterwards  captured  tlic  Atalanta,  n 
brig  of  B  puns.  After  tl».-se  mimerous  cxploifs, 
sinking  two  ships  of  war.  and  capturing  the  ene- 
mies property  ti.  the  amount  of  at  lenst  a  nidlion 
of  dollars,  tlie  Wasp  was  for  a. long  time  loudly 
expected  home;  but  alas!  her  fate  is  now  but  too 
certain;  our  gnliant  seamen  i.re  covered  by  the 
mnuntnin  waves  of  the  ocean. 

The  darin"  commander,  Captaui   I  orler.  wrrs 
master  of  the  Pnoific,  with  his  sir.Rularly  created 
fleet.     The  enemies  flag  was  expelled  irom  thos« 
waters,  and  t!ic  iiiitish  whale  fishery  entirely  ue- 
Btroyed.     The  f.dmiralty  v.t.s  obhf:cd   to  fit^  out 
80vei-al  vessels,  for  the  exproi^s  pui-;.obeot  en- 
countering this  formidable  enemy.     Captain  1  or- 
ter  having  been  ii  long  time  at  t,w,  was  under  the 
necessity  of  selecting  a  landing  iiiaco,  where  he 
could  refresh  his  men  by  some  relaxation  from 
their  long  and  arduous  service,  and  where  ho 
could  repair  his  vessels.     He  landed  at  an  unfte- 
quentcd  island  called  Nooahevah,  mhabited  by 
numerous  tribes  of  the  natives.     They  at  first 
granted  him  permission,  but  afterwards  became 
hostile,  and  compelled  him  cither  to  quit  the  isl- 
and or  to  give  them  a  signal  chastisement.     He 
preferred  the  latter,  and  they  afterwards  treated 
him  with  respect;  it  was  also  a  means  of  bring- 
ing about  a  general  peace  among  all  the  tribes. 
After  having  completely  refitted,  he  sailed  for 


'■^ 


5  LATE  WAR- 

jparation  was  ynniwh- 
the  appearance  of  two 

ivon  at  the  same  time 

rt,  the  Wasp  bore  away. 

ptnred  tlic  Atalanta,  n. 

•se  rninioroiis  cxphiits, 
and  rapturing  the  cne- 

iint  of  at  lenst  a  million 

!  for  a. long  time  fondly 
her  fai.e  is  now  hit  too 

ijcn  i'.re  covered  hy  the 

joan. 

r,  Captain   Porter.  wf\f< 

h  his  sinntilarly  created 

wns  oxp(;lled  Trom  thosf! 

halo  fl^■ilery  entirely  de- 
V.T.S  nhlifi'cd  to  fit  out 
expr<.':?s  pur;mse  of  en- 

0  enemy.  Captain  Por- 
nc  attjcr,  was  under  the 
landing  piaco,  where  he 
v  some  relaxation  from 
service,   and  where  ho 

He  landed  at  an  unfre- 
ooahevah,  inhabited  hy 
native?.     Tlicy  at  first 

but  afterwards  became 
im  cither  to  quit  the  isl- 
ignal  chastisement.     He 

1  they  afterwards  treated 
3  also  a  means  of  bring- 
ce  among  all  the  tribes. 
J  refitted,  he  sailed  for 


HL^TOUV  OK  THE  LAT.".  WAB.  t** 


Valpamifio,  m  couipany  with  the  f.ttsex  5x\ni0T. 
Soon  after  his  an.val.  the  l'.ilti.sh  fngate  PhtEbe, 
Captain  Ilillvar,  cairyh.g  o'i  guw,  m  company 
with  tlie  ^l'Jl'l)  of  war  Cherub.   Captain  lucKer, 
momitiiif;  2~!;ui,'s  made  dieir  appearance.     Un 
enteriiu{  ihe  bav.ov,  the  Phoube  iell  toul  of  the 
Essex  "in  such  !.  manner  as  to  he  completely  m 
her  power.     Tl.;-  British  commander  aliected  to 
be  jnatefnl  for  this  forbearance  on  the  part  of 
Caiitain  Porter.  un.I  pro:aised  to  pay  the  sama 
regard  to  tUe  nciitralitv  cf  the  port;    a  promise 
which  he  couid  ens.: v  disregard  when  it  no  longer 
iiuited  him  to  observe.     Uepcatcd  attempts  were 
made  by  th«;  /vmerican  commander  U>  provoke 
the  »ri"ti:b   f,ioaie  to  a  h-'ngle  combat,  without 
8uccej<s.     At  length,  finding  ihat  tliey  could  out- 
sail tlie.  Bntis'.i  vessel,  be  d.itermmcd  to  sieze 
a  favorable   opnnitunitv  of  running  out  to  sea. 
On  the  ;i8th  of '.March;  he  made  tlio  experiment, 
but  on  rounding  the  point,  a  squall  earned  away 
his  main  top  mat^t,  in  coni-equence  ot  which,  hnd- 
ins  it  imnosslbic  to  efcap«N  he  attempted  to  re- 
gain the  port;  failing  in  this,  he  put  into  a  smal 
bav.  under  the  !;nns  of  a  Spanish  battery,  and  let 
go  his  anchor.'    Re-ardless  of  the  neutrality  of 
the  place,  the  enemy  bore  down,  and  tne  two  ves- 
sels choosing  each  a  raking  position,  opened  a 
tremendous  fire  upon  the  unfortunate  American 
frigate.     C-aptain   Porter  long  defended  himselt 
with  unexampled  courage.     With  three  long  H 
pound«re,  run  out  of  his  stern  portu,  he  twice  com- 
pelled the,  enemv  to  haul  oif  and  repair.     Ihey 
afterwards  chose  u  more  Becure  distance.     Cap- 


.._i»' 


112 


HISTORY  or  THE  l.ATE  WAR. 


tain  Porter  cut  his  cable  ami  uttcmptcti  to  boardj 
fuiliii};  ill  tliis,  lie  tried  to  run  his  vosisel  ashore; 
afler  trjiti<f  every  exjiedieiit  wiiicli  the  most 
corisiiinniato  imutiral  skill  could  sufjpcst,  and 
8ii()|iorteil  by  an  nnshakon  hriiiness  without  a  par- 
allel, he  »vaw  at  last  compelled  to  surrender  hii* 
shi|).  Out  of  a  crew  of  two  Inmdred  and  twenty- 
five,  (58  were  lulled,  65  woiuided,  and  ■'Jl  drowned. 
Thus,  after  a  contest  of  two  h()urs,  a  victory  was 
won  by  tho  iirnis  of  the  British  whieli  covered 
them  with  disjirace. 

Captain  Porter  was  allowed  to  return  in  the 
Finsex  Junior,  but  was  shameliilly  treated  by  the 
iSaturn  razee  oft"  iSandy-Hook.  He  was  obliged 
to  give  up  hit*  parole,  and  afterwards  eflected  his 
escape  in  an  open  boat  at  the  distance  of  thirty 
miles  from  land. 

In  order  to  wind  up  our  naval  history,  it  will  be 
proper  to  notice  several  important  aftairs,  which 
in  order  of  time,  may  appear  somewhat  out  of 
place;  this  will,  however,  be  counterbalanced  by 
the  advantage  of  a  more  connected  narrative  of 
the  remaining  events  oi  the  war.  In  .Ian.  1815, 
a  squadron  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  consist- 
ing of  several  frigates  and  ships  of  war,  under 
the  command  of  Commodore  Decatur,  was  des- 
tined by  the  War  Department  to  make  a  cruise  in 
the  Indian  Ocean.  Tho  harbor  being  closely 
blockaded,  the  squadron  agreed  upon  a  place  of 
rendezvous,  and  then  attempted  to  sail  out  singly, 
and  endeavor  to  elude  the  enemy.  Taking  ad- 
vantage of  a  dark  night,  the  Commodore's  ship 
fth«    President)    stood   out,    but    unfortunately 


;  l.ATE  WAR. 

ikI  uttemptcci  to  board; 
run  his  vc^isel  nsliore; 
ieiit  wliicli  the  most 
II  could  siifjpcst,  and 
lrIllr)es^s  wifliout  ii  psir- 
clh'd  to  surrcndtJf  hi»» 
o  liiiiulrt'd  and  twoiity- 
ndfd,  uiid-'JI  drowned, 
o  liourw,  11  victory  was 
[Jrititili  wliicli  covered 

lowed  to  return  in  the 
imetiilly  treated  by  the 
ook.  Ho  was  obliged 
afierwiirds  effected  his 
the  distance  of  thirty 

laval  history,  it  will  bo 
nportant  affairs,  which 
pear  somewhat  out  of 
be  counterbalanced  by 
connected  narrative  of 
)e  war.  In  Jan.  1815, 
if  New  York,  consist- 
d  ships  of  war,  under 
ore  Decatur,  was  des- 
ent  to  make  a  cruise  in 
harbor  being  closely 
agreed  upon  a  place  of 
apted  to  sail  out  singly, 
s  enemy.  Taking  ad- 
he  Commodore's  shift 
ut,    but    unfortunately 


Hl>4Tf)KY  OF  TIIF.  l.ATK  WAR. 


iia 


,lruc-k  oa  pas^inil  the  t.ur,  an.l  wa.  detamed   for 

two  hours    bv  wliicU  m.'i.iis  th.-    return  ol  <ia/ 

::,'ht   lu.  -in  si,ht  uf  th.  15rm.h  ..uadro.. 

''''^'^-'^•--^■'^;;:A;^';;;sr';-wedio 

come  to  action.     IK-i.tiur     .u   m.  i 
bo  rd  this  vessel,  and  .f  .urcos.ful  to  al.audon 
his  ow     ship,  wh..h  had  entirely   o.t  her  sa.lmg 
t  im  bv  the  unfovtunnto  ..'tion  i.rst  mentioned^ 
1      was  disapnoinind   in  this  by  the  .nanuM.vres 
:;  the   encu,  •;    he   therefore   opened     us   g..n« 
upon  bor.  iM,d  it  was  not  lone;  betoro  she  la>  a 
'L"pletelo,.iutl.owat..r.      Uv  th.s  tuue  the  oth- 
L   Ips  hau  co.u-  uu.  .nd  the  I'.osulent  was  com- 
pellrd  to  surren.U.r.     T\n;  l^esulcnt  losi    .  k.  led 
and  60  wound.vl.     Nothmjr  ui  pouit  ot  navjl  re- 
nowu  was  lost  bv  America  m  thw  atlair. 

The,  Hornet.  C.ptain   l5iddlo.  near  the  island 

of  TriHtan  d'AeuuLa,  fell  '"^V^'r^t"  .if'isrs 
action  of  ;i'2  mimtes.  on  the  y:}d  ol  Mareh,  1815, 
captured  lus  Ikitauic  Ma.ies.y".  bng  Poiigxun, 
t'aot.  Dickenson.  The  captured  vessu  had  14 
killed  and  '2^  wounded,  (.^ipt.uu  Uiadle  was 
tounded  m  the  necK,  after  the  Penpun  had  sur- 
reudered,  au  ^M^t  which  so  irritated  the  crew,  that 

t  w  aswith  grc.t  ddViculty  it  c<.uld  be  restrained 
from  refusing .luarters  to  the  ene.ay       '>e«^ 

Conner,  a  brave  officer,  was  severely  ^^M. 
Tiie  fii^ate  Constitution  returned  to  tho  Lmted 

State.,  alkr  a  loufr  cruise   after  the  ces«»t.on  ol 

hostilities.     On  the  'iOth  of  February  1815.  l.apt. 

Stewart  was  attacked  bv  two  heavy  sloops  ot  war. 

Notwithstanding  the  advantage  which  they  po*- 

se-scd  of  being  able  to  take  rakmg  position*,  un- 
K.2 


HI 


!IIST<»1{V  OF  Tin:  LATK  WAR. 


IcsN  biitlliHl  liy  (111-  iiliiiiiHt  I  xrrlioii  1)1°  .skill;  both 
were  Ciipliiicil,  und  |irovf<l  to  ho  llic  Nliip  Cyan*', 
Captain  (loiiluii  Fnlcoii,  of  (liiitj-I'mir  -Vi  pound 
canoiiiuloM,  inid  tlio  liri;;;  l,cMiiit,  t'jiptuiii  Dou- 
^liij^s,  of  t'ii;hl(;(ii  0')  poiiiifl  rarion;ul<.;H,  mill  two 
long  twclvL's.  On  bn^ini  tlic  (.'jioniy,  flio  loss  was 
10()  in  kill(!(l  ami  v.iniiKletl.  Tlio  Constitntioii 
liud  4  iiiLMi  killed  and  II  wonndi-d.  Capt.  Cftcw- 
ait  caniud  his  pii/.ts  into  ['oil  I'raya,  in  March; 
hen;  tin;  IJritiuli  ^liios  ficand(;r  and  tlio  NowcaB- 
tlo  apptarinp,  and  tlu)  (V'pfain  apprclicnding  that 
no  regard  would  bi?  paid  to  tlso  neutrality  of  th(! 
plac(!,  endeavored  to  ruako  his  escape  uitii  hin 
prizes.  After  a  Ion;,'  rliase  iiu  succeeded  in  get- 
ting off  the  Cyuiie,  but  tile.  Levant  wus  compelled 
to  return  to  port,  \vher<i  she  was  c.-iptured  in  \  lo- 
latiun  of  the  laws  (d'  nations.  Tliis  coucdudes 
tiic  naval  hi;i;.(iy  of  llie  laa;  war;  we  now  turn 
back  our  >ieps  in  order  to  resume  the  regular  |ilaii 
of  our  narrative. 

During  the  last  year  of  the  war,  the  leiuenry 
at  tir.st  practiced  tow  ards  tiio  tiastern  states,  wa.s 
succeeded  by  acts  of  Im^itdity,  although  not  of  so 
lawless  a  character,  yet  suHiciently  rigorous  to 
make  them  feel  the  war. 

An  opportmiity  wus  alforded  the  inhabitants  of 
convincing  the  eoimnon  enemy,  that  disaffection 
to  the  Union  was  the  last  thing  thought  of  by  tho 
people,  whatever  t-emimenls  might  be  privately 
entertained  by  a  few.  Commodore  Hardy  was 
gallantly  resisted  at  Stonington,  a  small  village, 
at  which  a  few  militia  had  been  hastily  collected. 
A  heavy  bombardment  was  kept  up  for  48  hours. 


tun 


mi 


K  LATi;  WAR. 

:  4'xtrlioii  of  Nkill;  both 
i|  to  l)»!  till'  s\i\\>  ('van*', 
(if  tliiity-I'mir  Uti  pound 

l.cviint,  C";ipHiin  Dou- 
iid  rarrnuiiJos,  imil  two 
tliir  (.'injiiiv,  tlin  loss  was 
led.  Tlu';  Coiistitntion 
ivtmiidfil.     Ciipt.  iStcw- 

Port  I'liivii,  in  Marcli; 
nnd(;r  and  tlio  NowcaB- 
pfain  iippi'flicndinj;  that 
to  ilso  neutrality  of  tho 
M  iiis  cs(;a])e  witli  his 
so  iiu  Biicc.ecded  in  (jot- 
••  Levant  was  compelled 
II!  was  caijtiired  in  \  lo- 
tions. Tliis  coiii^Iudes 
laie  war;  wo  now  turn 
rcfiunio  the  regular  plan 

'  the  war,  the  lenienry 
tho  t]astern  Hlate.s,  wa.s 
iility,  alliioughnot  of" so 
suHiciently  rigorous  to 

jrded  the  inhabitants  of 
f;neniy,  that  disatfection 
tliin|[f  thought  of  by  tho 
Ills  might  be  privately 
-ommodore  Hardy  was 
ington,  a  small  village, 
I  been  hastily  collected. 
aa  kept  up  for  48  hours, 


I!!MT<mV  OF  Tin:  I.ATK  WAlt. 


1I-. 


and  the  Hritish   iKHii.s  that   attempted  to  land, 
were  -several  t,.:.-  romp.Hed  to  retire,     wrea 
praise  was  bestowed  m  .■%.'ry  part  ..I  tlu-  I  mteM 
l^tate«,on  these  l.r.ive  eilizens  mdeleiieeot  their 

town.  ,  • 

In  the  eouixe  -f  Hie  m.rnmer,  several  impor- 
tant eM.e.iitions  ^u■Tr.  undertaken  by  the  ruemy 
nyainst  tho  extreme  north  eastern  fiontfr  ol  tlm 
llnit.'d  States,  N^here  the  American  torce  could 
make  but  a  feebl"  resistance. 

|.:astpoit,  ('astii>e.  Ma.'hias.  and  other  villager 
l.ctween  the  I'eu.^l.sco.  and  the  T.ay  ot  »»s^<amn- 
ouoddy,  were  succ^sMvely  vis.te.!  without  any 
re^istan.e  of  con.e.pu.uce.  The  nntish  com- 
mander atlected  to  take  possession  ot  all  tiie 
country  east  of  i'.'uob.scot,  anrl  tortilymg  bast- 
port,  eMablished  a  garrison  of  \'M\  men.  I  ho 
Uact  bomularv  of  this  (piarter  had  never  been 
nerfcctlv  ascei'taineil;  it  bad  been  doubtlul  to 
whom  several  of  the  i-lan<l>^  properly  belonged; 
this  at  the  conclusion  of  tho  war,  jr-ivc  rise  to  an 
article  of  the  treaty. 

In  conse<iuenco  of  the  taking  of  I  astmo,  tno 
frigate  .Tohn  Adams  was  nnfortunately  lost,  (.op- 
tain  Morris  ha.l  put  into  the  i'enobsvot  a  few 
day.s  before.  Having  no  means  of  defending  his 
ship  against  a  powerful  force,  l-.o  was  compelled 
to  Kct  her  on  fire,  and  blow  her  up. 


llfl 


iirsT()i{\  (»r  'I'lir.  i  vrv.  war 


I'lIAITKR  Mil. 

War  on  tlu  Xirlfimi   I'nuiliir — llattlc  of  Chip- 
jiiira,  ami  .\i(ii;iir<i. 

Arifn  llio  I'lilmc  of  tlir  lii^t  attempt  to  invndo 
fiiiiiidii.  uliiili  i'.inl  ]ii(iv*'(l  Ml  iiiitiiituiiiitf  li>  till) 
irihiib.tatilH  aloii^  tin!  .\i!i;;;irn  tVuiiticr,  ami  wliicli 
i'ii,'il>l(!(l  tlif  Hiitidli  tn  t;iko  poHsi'ssion  cif  tho 
Aiii'ricaii  turi,  t!ui  loi'C'i  lai  Ixtih  nkIcs  ri'tirrd 
into  winter  (|iiartt'rH.  Mutliiiis  of  importaricH 
Uidk  pliici'  uiiiil  III.'  ii^ioniiiir  cif  ilic  c  .iinpai^n  to- 
ivarils  tii(>  Itittcr  eiiil  ol'.Miucli.  ticiiorai  Wilkin- 
son, (iiiditiK  tliat  a  laii,'(!  lioily  of  tlio  onfiny  luul 
Ic'cn  oolicctt'il  nl  liU  ('i)!o.  iiiiiicluMl  a  conHiilcru- 
bli.-  piirlidii  ol'hiw  ani)\,  liir  tlin  [iiirpoisn  of  attack- 
ing; his  po.sition.  'I'liuv  liad  ioitilicil  a  stoiii^  inill 
and  I  ic'trrl  otiicr  dcHMiccs.  An  ci^litcrri  poun- 
der wa.s  attempted  to  be  lirouRlit  up  hy  the  (ieno- 
ra!.  lait  not  Hiirccfdiiii;  in  t!iis,  a  twelve  |)oiindi'r 
waH  i>iiilii:,titutpd.  After  a  fair  oxpcrinieiit  of  tlio 
strcn^tit  of  llio  toitre«is,  and  repulsing  a  sortie  by 
thfi  oiieniv,  in  wliieli  Captainn  Larabic  and 
M'I'lierr'tii  \Ncic  wounded,  a  rrtrcat  took  place. 
The  <ientral  tlieii  took  position  nt  Odletown,  on 
the  tiividin<4  line  'I'ho  inaiU!<pieioiis  opening  of 
tho  cainpaijrn,  to^ctlcT  with  the  failuro  of  tho 
last,  caupcd  this  ollkor,  togclhor  with  Hampton, 
to  be  withdrawn  from  tlio  Army,  and  (lencral 
Iznrd  nsijiumcd  the  eomni;ind  in  the  place  of  tho 
one,  and  (ieiicrai  M'Comb  of  the  other. 

Early  in  the  spring,  (icncral  llrown,  who  had 
been  detaciicd  from  the  main  body  with  about 
2000  men,  arrived  at  Niagara.     The  gallant  rou- 


vrr,  WAR 

MM. 

iir—llatlk  of  Chip 

i^t  iitfcnipt  to  invnilu 
II  iiiitiiiUiiiati'  ti>  llio 
n  iViintKT,  iiiiil  uliirli 

0  possession  «)!'  tlio 
II  l)(illi  nkIcn  ri'tiri'il 

liin^  of   iiiiportaru'o 
<it"  (lie  cainpiiii^n  to- 
ll,    ticiionil  Wilkin- 
lIv  of  tlio  oncniy  liiul 
liirdiiMl  (I  coiiHiiloru- 
lio  piirpoho  of  iittnck- 
t'oitilicil  a  stoiK'  iiiill 
All  cii^lilciti  poun- 
ufrlit  lip  hy  the  (ieiio- 
lis,  a  twi'lvr  poundiT 
lir  oxpcrinn'iit  of  tlio 
repulsing  a  sortie  by 
ptainH    Laraliic    and 

1  retreat  took  place. 
tion  nt  Odli'town,  on 
iispicioiis  opening  of 
I  the  failiiro  of  the 
LMhor  with  Hampton, 

Army,  and  (lencral 
I  in  the  place  of  tho 
)f  the  other. 
!ial  llrown,  who  had 
liii  body  with  about 
a.     The  gallant  rou- 


IIIHTOUY  OF  TUP.  l.ATF.  \VA«  ^^^ 

duct  of  lUi«  oflucr,   on  -.•veral  ...•••uHions.   had 
won  him  a  hiuh  .•barucler.  an.l  it  ua«  .•oi,h.k;ntlv 
,.x|ie,t.Ml  that  he  nnoiiUI  noon  regain  the  territory 
.n  poHseHsion  <.f  th<'  enemy.     'I'lien^  does  not  ap- 
pear to  have  been  any  pro^pi'et  at  the  eoinmenee- 
;„,.»toftlieean.pu.;i..,  ofbeii.i^able  l'>  teur  imy 
part  of  Canada  from  the  Urili-h;  the  iilniost  that 
.•onid   be  exiieeted,  was  to  ent  olV  all    eoiiiiiium- 
.atioii  beiwi.n  th.'  I'l^er  and  Lower  IVovme.s. 
The  UritiHh  had  availed  themselveH  oi  tlie  repoMO 
,if  the  winter,  to   eoustrnel   at  an   eimrmous  ex- 
ponse.  several  larjie  vessels  for  I-aKes  (  liamplam 
Li  Ontario.     Ahl.ongh  the  VinU-A  StateMad  not 
ne<'leeted  tli.-  aiif^mentalion  of  the  naval   loree 
Ihc^y  found  ihrnis.dves  at  the  eommeneemei.t  ol 
the  scanon  unable  to  eope  with  the  enemy.     Com- 
modore   IMiatinicy    was   therefore  eoinpe  led    to 
lie  by  until  the  beginninfi  of  summer.   )<■  ore  lio 
could  be  in  a  situation  to  eo-operati;  with  the  lanii 

forceH.  , ,  ,^ 

Several  smaller  aflairs.  however,  ocenrrcd  to 
onlivcn  tho  sc«ne.     On  the  6th  of  May,  sir  J. is 
Lucas  Yeo,  with  four  sliipH,  and  other  vessels  ol 
considerable    force,    appeared    before   ()swego, 
with  a  view  of  intercepting  the  stores  and  neees- 
«nrv  equipmcntH  for  the  Superior,  then  building 
at  Saeket's  Harbor.     The  place  was  coinmanded 
bv  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell,  with  about  .UM> 
,nen,  nssisted  by  Capt.  Hoylc  with  a  party  of  sai- 
lors and  the  Growler's  crew  under  Lieut.  1  earce. 
They  were  ho  warmly  received  by  the  \  nnkecB, 
that  their  boats  were  compelled  to  fall  back  with 
ull  possible  precipitation.     Not  content  with  tins. 


(.1 


118 


jiisTouv  OF  TUF,  i.ATr:  War. 


they  approafilied  tlio  next  day  with  ;J0(){(  men,  and 
oovorinJ  tiuur  liindiiig  with  llieir  sliips.  Those 
wt-ri!  hiiiuisoniely  pepperod  as  they  tiiow  near, 
and  after  laliini^  po-session  of  tiie  j)hice  with  the 
loss  of  ',1W  men,  they  found  to  tiieir  inexpressi- 
ble mortilicution,  that  the  stores  liud  already  been 
remover],  except  one  barrel  of  wiiiskey,  which 
they  indisniinlly  stove,  and  nufU^rcd  to  be  swal- 
lowed by  die  thirsty  earth. 

Sometime  after  this,  Captain  Woolsey  having 
brought  to  at  the  moutii  of  Oswego  creek,  with 
the  military  stores  lor  fSackct'.s  Harbor,  received 
intelligence  from  hi**  look-ont  boats,  that  a  flotilla 
of  Britif^h  gun  vessel?*  luul  chased  tiiem.  in  con- 
cert with  Col.  .\ppling,  a  plan  of  decoying  the 
enemy,  who  it  appoartul,  was  commanded  by 
Captain  Popham,  was  for:ned.  The  look-out 
boat  shewing  itself,  w;is  closely  pursued  into  tho 
creek.  Colontd  Applin;i;'s  riilenien  having  been 
concealed  in  the  edge  of  the  bank,  suddenly 
shewed  themselves,  and  discharged  a  volley  upon 
the  British,  who  immediately  surrendered.  The 
whole,  amounting  to  at  least  200,  were  taken  pri-. 
Boners, 

It  was  not  mitil  the  3d  of  July,  that  General 
Brown  found  himself  in  a  situation  to  carry  his 
plan  into  execution.  On  tho  evening  of  that  day 
orders  M'ere  issued  for  the  embarkation  of  the 
army  which  consisted  of  two  brigades,  besides 
the  N.  York  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers  under 
Gen.  Porter.  They  were  suffered  to  cross  the 
river  and  land  without  molestation;  the  first  bri- 
gade, under  Gen.  Scott  the  artillery  commanded 


nm 


I.ATK  WAR, 

ly  with  ;JUO{)  men,  ai\(l 
I  tlioir  f-liips.  Tlipso 
as  they  tiiow  ripar, 
of  tiic  ])hice  with  thu 
:(i  to  liicir  iiio\prc!<si- 
orcs  hud  uh'caciy  been 
el  of  wiiiskey.  whicli 
1  siitiorrd  to  he  swal- 

[)tairi  Woolsey  having 
'  Oswego  creek,  with 
et'fc  Harbor,  received 
lit  boats,  that  a  flotilla 
aliased  tiiem.  in  con- 
plan  of  decoying  the 
was  commanded  hy 
r:nod.  The  iooli-out 
a>!ely  pursued  into  tho 
riilenirn  having  been 
the  bank,  suddenly 
charged  a  volley  upon 
ly  furrendered.  The 
t  200,  were  taken  pri-. 

of  July,  that  General 
situation  to  carry  his 
10  evening  of  that  day 
e  embarkation  of  the 
wo  brigades,  besides 
ania  volunteers  under 
suflered  to  cross  the 
estation;  the  first  bri- 
}  artillery  commander] 


HISTORY  or  THi:  LATE  WAR.  H'^ 

by  Major  Uindman.  landed  below  fort  Eric,  while 
Gen.  Riplev,  with  the  second,  Innded  some  dis- 
tance above  the  fort.     'J'iio  fjarrison  was  invested 
and  beinir  almost  taken  hy  surprize,  suriendercd 
with  very  little    resistance.     One   hundrca    and 
thirty-seven   prisoners,   were   tnken.     Phicmg  a 
.small  garrison  in  t!io  fort.  Gen.  l?rown  moved  the 
following  day  to  Chippewa  plains.     In  appioach- 
ingthis  place,  «ieii.  Torter's  advance  met  some 
ligiit  bodies  of  tho  eneniv,  and  encountered  tliem 
in  a  wood;    aft-r  beatin;:  them,   the  volunteers 
pursued,  until  they  fouiirl  diemsolves  una  sudcen 
in  contact  with  tlie  main  body  of  the  British  army. 
They  were  about  togivn  way,  \Nh(!n  ben.  Urown 
ordered  Srott's  brigade  to  advance  with  1  owson  .s 
artillery,  and  drew  the  enemy  into  the  pUr.n.     I  he 
engagcnient  became  general.     The  Iclt  ilami  ol 
Scott's  brigade,  wa.■^  txi)o.-ecl  in  (  onscqucnce  oi 
the  volunteers  having  fallen  bad;,  but  Major  Jc.v 
siip,  who  commanded  here,  ordered  his  I'uttai.icn 
to  carry  arms  ami  advance,  untd  choosirg  a  fa- 
vorable position,  he  pournd  a  d(<!iflly  hie  t)pon 
tlio   enemy,  which   compelled   them   to    rcticat. 
General  Rinlcv  was  orde.ed  to  move  up  wit.i  his 
brigade,  and  'turn  the  rigiit   wing;    boh>rc   this 
could  be  executed,  the  British  had  given  ground, 
and  on  approaching  the  declivity  of  the  hiii,  •hry 
broke  and  fled  m  disorder  behind  their  wcr..s. 
This  action  was  clobe  and  severe;  it  was  .oiiglU 
with  great  courage  and  skill  on  both  Gides.     Ihe 
Americans  had  GO  killed  and  248  wounded:  on 
the  side  of  the  British,  their  killed  amounted  to 
133,  and  330  wounded. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


120 


After  tliis  hoic  (lrut)l)in!;f  tlio  inviaciblcfi  rctiretl 
to  fort  (uiorge,  abandoiiina;  all  (heir  intermediate 
posts,  but  not  without  being  cioiscly  pressed  in 
their  retreat.  <ien.  lirown  returned  to  Ciuecns- 
town  heights,  where  ho  soon  alter  found  that  large 
reintorcemcnta  had  reached  the  enemy  from 
Kingston  auil  Prn«cott.  On  this  lie  receded  to 
r'iiippewa  and  encamped.  On  the  '.loth  of  July, 
a  strong  detachment  was  discovered  on  its  march 
towards  iSchlosser,  on  the  opposite  side,  which 
seemed  to  threaten  the  American  deposit  there. 
In  order  to  <!ounteracl  this,  Scott's  brigade  and 
Towson's  artillery,  marched  in  the  direction  of 
Ciueenstown. 

On  approaching  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  the  Br\- 
tisli  army  was  discovered  directly  in  front  occu- 
pying a  position  whicii  had  Un^n  cnrcfnlly  se- 
lected. Cicncral  f?cott  innncdintely  despatched  a 
messenger,  to  the  Conmiander  in  Chief,  and  the 
<icneral  hastened  wiiliont  loss  of  time  to  tho 
field  with  his  main  force,  (.iciicral  Scott,  and 
the  artillery  under  Towson  were  wnrndy  cn- 
fragcd.  Tlie  25th  vmdcr  the  gallant  commander, 
Major  .lessup,  moved  to  the  right  of  the  main 
body,  with  discretionary  orders  to  be  governed  by 
circumstances.  Desperate  was  this  contest  for 
several  hours;  the  American  ranks  were  thinned 
and  at  every  moment  diminishing  before  the  vast 
disparity  of  luunbcrs  opposed  to  them.  They 
still  maintained  their  ground  with  undaunted  firm- 
ness, m  expectation  of  bemg  reinforced  by  Gen- 
pral  Brown.  Meanwhile.  Colonel  Jcssup  taking 
advanlii-c  of  the  enemy,  in  leaving  his  left  un- 


giiar 

mgb 
I'.rhi 
none 
miHv 
Hi 
to  ri 
exiia 
occu 
l)lan( 
cone 
to  r.l 

Tl 
test, 
wort 
and 
cneii 
with 
on  ^ 

Willi 

cacl: 

ricai 

was, 

geil 

let  re 

sple 

wan 

riiigi 

ed. 

860, 

the  ; 

won 

tiie 


LATE  WAR. 


^ 


ilio  inviaciblcfi  rctiretl 
all  their  intermediate 
iig  cioisely  pressed  in 

returned  to  Ciuecns- 
1  alter  found  that  large 
od  the  enemy  from 
>ii  this  lie  receded  to 

On  the  tloth  of  July, 
scovercd  on  its  march 

opposite  side,  which 
icricun  deposit  there. 
,  Scott's  brigade  and 
Bd  in  the  direction  of 

?  of  Niagara,  the  T?ri- 
directly  in  front  occu- 
1(1  Ix'iMi  carefully  se- 
icdicitcly  despatched  a 
der  in  Chief,  and  the 
losp  of  time  to  the 
(iciicral  fc^cott,  and 
nn  were  warmly  cn- 
e  gallant  commander, 
Ihc  right  of  the  main 
Icrs  to  he  governed  by 
I  was  this  contest  for 
m  ranks  were  thinned 
lishing  before  the  vapt 
Dsed  to  them.  They 
d  with  undaunted  firm- 
ng  reinforced  by  Gen- 
Colonel  Jcssup  taking 
m  leaving  his  left  un- 


niSTORY  OF  Tin:  LATK  WAR. 


l;>l 


guarded,  gained  tlicir  rtiar,  and  as  the  doudu  of 
inglil  were  fa>t  (!escen<ling,  he  |)enelrated  tli« 
15^iti^sh  line  and  cut  oil"  its  left  wing,  making  jjri- 
soncrs  of  (ieu.  Nial  and  suit,  while  (ien.  Druiu- 
nioiid  narrowly  escaped. 

Ui|)li'v"s  brigade  ;it  Icugtli  airived,  and  in  order 
to  n-lic\(:  tin;  tinops  of  (Kin.  c>cott,  now  almost 
exhauslcd,  they  displayed  in  front.  Tlio  enemy 
o(cu|)ied  a  comnianduig  h«sgh(,  on  which  was 
planted  his  nrtillery.  a  lormidalile  bnitory.  Kiplcy 
conceived  the  bolil  (lesig;i  of  m.ikiiig  nn  attempt 
to  carry  the  height. 

They  advanced  in  column  to  the  perilous  con- 
test, but  faltered  on  receiving  the  lirsf  tiio;  tliey 
were  again  forhied,  and  advaucmir  with  a  steady 
and  linn  step,  sei/.cd  the  whole  baltcry.  1  he 
cneuiv  lied  in  astonishment  and  di-iiiay,  butisluug 
with  shame,  and  receiving  reinforcemcut.s,  canuj 
on  with  a  furious  charge,  but  wen;  driven  b.-icU 
with  great  loss,  a  second  and  third  lime,  having 
each  time  received  reinforcements.  Tlie  Ame- 
ricans were  left  in  quiet  possession  of  the  lield:  it 
was  now  midniglit  and  haviiig  been  ?o  long  enga- 
ged in  thi.-s  dreadful  combat,  they  were  ordered  to 
ictreat;  but  unfortunately,  the  trophies  of  this 
Fplcndtd  victory  could  not  be  secured,  from  the 
want  of  the  means  to  convey  the  artillery,  tiuscar- 
riiigcs  having  been  ^shattorcd.  and  the  horses  kill- 
ed. The  total  loss  of  the  I'rilish  amounted  to 
S60,  the  loss  of  the  Americans  very  little  short  of 
the  same  number,  (lenerals  Brown  and  Sfcott 
wore  both  severely  wounded.  General  Porier,  of 
liie  volunleer«,  r-iincd  great  honors  for  himseU' 
L 


^i; 


123         HISTORY  OV  THE  LATE  WAR. 

and  his  brave  volunteers.  Colonel  Lavenworlh, 
Major  Jessup,  and  a  number  of  other  officers  were 
highly  compUmonted  in  the  orders  of  the  day. 

On  the  15th  of  August,  after  the  fort  had  been 
for  some  time  invested  by  General  Drummond, 
with  a  large  force,  and  after  having  made  his  ro- 
Rular  approaches,  he  resolved  1o  nttempt  to  carry 
it  by  storm.     The  assault  and  defence,  were  ot 
the  same  desperate  character  as  the  pitched  bat- 
tles before  described,  and  terminated  alike  to  the 
alory  of  the  American  officers  and  soldiers.     «y 
this  time  the  bravery  of  American   troops   had 
made  no  light  impression  on  iliej^e  haughty  foes. 
Gen.  Brown  having  recovered  from  his  ^vounU 
on  the  2d  of  Sept.  resumed  the  command.    From 
the  time  of  the  unsuccessful  assault,  both  sides 
were  actively  engaged,  the  enemy  in  erecting  bat- 
teries and  other  works,  the  Americans  in  comple- 
ting their  defences.     The  enemy's  batteries  worn 
becoming  every  day  more  formidable  to  the  fort, 
two  of  which  were  witliin  500  yards,  and  a  third 
was  rapidly  constructinii  for  the  purpose  ot  infi- 
lading  the  American  work:s.     A  spirited  measure 
was  thought  of  by  Gen.  Brown  to  avert  the  im- 
pending danger.     On  the  17th,  a  sortie  was  exo- 
cuted  in  a  gallant  style,  which  could  only  be 
equalled  by  the  admirable  skill  displayed  m  th<-. 
formation  of  tiie  plan.     The  British  were  com- 
pletely surprised;  the  American  troops  taking  a 
circuitous  rout  through  the  woods,  came  sudden- 
ly upon  the  enemy's  flank,  and  chargmg  in  co- 
lumn, took  possession  of  all  the  » ncmics  batte- 
ries, though  not  without  a  wsvere  corfli<~t  sort 


Ct 


LATE  WAR. 

Colonel  Lavenworlh, 
r  of  other  officers  were 

2  orders  of  the  day. 
after  the  fort  had  been 
I  General  Dnimmond, 
?r  having  made  his  ro- 
i'cil  lonttempt  to  carry 

and  defence,  were  of 
ter  as  the  pitched  bat- 
erminated  alike  to  the 
cers  and  soldiers.  By 
American  troops  had 
r>a  iliej^e  haughty  foes, 
overed  from  his  wound 
1  the  command.  From 
ful  assault,  both  sides 
I  enemy  in  erecting  bat- 

3  Americans  in  complc- 
enemv's  batteries  worn 

formidable  to  the  fort, 
500  yards,  and  a  third 
or  the  purpose  of  infi- 
;s.  A  spirited  measure 
[Jrown  to  avert  the  im- 
17th,  a  sortie  was  cxo- 
,  which  could  only  bo 
o  skill  displayed  in  the 
rhe  British  were  com- 
lehcan  troops  taking  a 
le  woods,  came  suddcn- 
ik,  and  charging  in  co- 
'  all  the  enemies  batte- 
t  a  wjvfire  forfli'"t  fin<^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAE.  18fl 

groat  carnage.     The  batteries  in  two  hours  wera 
destroyed.     The  Americans  had  to  lament  the 
loss  of  some  brave  officers,  among  whom  were 
Brigadier  General  Davis,  of  the  volunteers,  and 
Cols.  Gibson  and  Wood,  two  valuable  officers. 
The    Wellingtonian  "Invincibles,"    after    this, 
thou<»ht  proper  to  retire,  and  acordingly  Gene- 
rals lOrummond  and  Watcville,  broke  up  their 
camp  on  the  night  of  the  2lst,  and  sought  safety 
in  the  works  of  Chippewa.     About  this  time  Ge- 
neral Izard  arrived  from  Plattsburg,  with  a  rein- 
forcement of  1400  men,  and  placed  the  security 
of  the  post  beyond  doubt.     Considering  that  no- 
thing could  be  gained  by  maintaining  their  pro- 
Bent  position,  this  General,  who  now  assumed 
command  as  the  senior  officer,  removed  to  the 
American  side,  after  destroying  Fort  Erie,  and 
ordered  his  troops  into  winter  quarters  at  Buffalo. 
The  names  of  Brown,  Scott,  Ripley,  Miller,  Por- 
ter, Davis,  Jessup,  Ree,  Gibson,  Wood,  Hmd- 
man,  Towson,  Trimble,  will  be  written  m  letter* 
of  gold,  on  the  arch  of  American  glory., 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Capture  of  Washington— Defence  of  Baltimort. 

In  the  beginning  of  Summer,  the  enemy  arri- 
ved off  our  coast  with  several  ships  of  the  line 
and  frigates  with  a  great  number  of  transports. 
They  soon  after  entered  the  Chesapeake,  and 
maintained  a  threatening  attitude  against  the 
principal  cities  on  the  Bay.     Considerable  time 


121 


IIISTOIIY  OF  THF,  LATE  WAR. 


liowever  clnpscd,  hnforc  any  iiiipoifnnt  rntorpri/o 
W!is  iiiiderfiilu'ii;  hut  Adniiriil  ('oiklmrii  wiis  ac- 
tively oniinf^cd  an  usual,  in  ))hiiid('riii^  niid  pilli'.r- 
in^r  the  planters.  To  oppost;  sunie  I'lieck  (o  this 
alrneioiis  reparco,  a  flotilla  ot"  jjiiii  vessels  was 
fitted  oiif  by  our  {Government,  and  the  command 
given  to  Coniinndore  Harney.  This  intrepid  ve- 
teran, soon  made  himself  so  formidahlo  from  his 
rapid  movements  tiirough  croik.s  and  inlets,  that 
the  enemy  found  it  necessary  to  destroy  his  flotil- 
la. A  nnmlicr  of  vessels  suited  to  the  purpose, 
was  aecordinwly  provided.  The  Commodore, 
about  the  first  pf  June,  was  chased  into  the  Pa- 
tnxcnt;  hero  their  larger  ve.ssels  not  being  able 
to  pursue  him.  thny  sent  their  barges,  but  which 
were  comjielled  to  sneak  oflT  faster  than  tiiey 
came.  A  more  formidable  squadron  of  boats  a 
f*iw  days  aiterwards,  compelled  the  Commodore 
to  take  rcf  i}.;e  on  Leonard's  creek,  where  he  was 
closely  bloekuiled  by  two  frigates.  Commodore 
Hnmey  having  received  some  additional  force, 
fell  down  to  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  and  choosing 
his  position,  began  a  well  directed  fire  on  the 
Ilritisli  vessels.  In  two  hours  the  frigates  finding 
their  situation  rather  uncomfortable,  prudently 
weighed  anchor  and  stood  down  the  I'atuxcnt. 
Harney  embraced  this  opportunity,  run  out  of  the 
creek,  and  ascended  the  Patuxent. 

Admiral  Cockburn,  about  the  16th  of  August, 
ascended  the  bay  with  twenty-two  sail,  besides 
traQsports,  and  was  joined  by  Admiral  Malcom. 
About  this  time,  it  appears  he  formed  a  renohi- 
tion  of  attacking  Washington.    The  circuinstancs 


LATE  WAR. 

y  iiiiportnnt  rntorprizfl 
•ill  ( 'oikliiini  Mils  iir- 
|)hiiiil('riiij^  niid  |)illi',r- 
h;  suiiK!  cliiM-k  (o  this 
1  of  '^\\n  vessels  was 
lit,  and  tlie  command 
?y.     This  intropid  ve- 

0  foniiichihlo  from  his 
•rei  k.s  and  inlets,  thiit 
ry  to  destroy  his  Holil- 
*iiitf!d  to  the  piirpofjo, 

The  Commodore, 
9  chased  into  tiie  Pa- 
j-^sels  not  licing  nlilo 
loir  barjfcs,  hut  wiiicli 
off  faster  than  tliey 
B  squadron  of  boats  a 
elled  the  Commodore 
'■i  creek,  where  he  was 
rifi;ates.  Commodore 
ome  additional  force, 
le  creek,  and  choosing 

1  directed  fire  on  tlie 
nrs  tiie  frigates  findinjj 
omfortable,  prudently 
1  down  the  I'atuxcnt. 
irtimity,  run  out  of  the 
iituxent. 

It  the  16th  of  Angnst, 
enty-two  sail,  besides 

by  Admiral  Malcom. 

he  formed  a  reRohi- 
)n.    The  circumstancs 


IIISTOIIY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR.         l55- 

of  Barney's  flotilla  having  taken  shelter  in  tha 
Patnxent,  favored  tiie  design  of  attacking  tha 
city  by  way  of  Benedict.  Accordmgly,  dividmg 
his  force,  and  sending  one  detachment  up  the 
bay,  as  if  to  threaten  Baltimore,  under  sir  Peter 
Parker,  and  one  up  the  Potomac,  under  Captain 
Gordon,  as  if  to  force  fort  Washington,  he  took 
the  road  first  named. 

The  British  land  forces  debarked  at  Benedict 
on  the  2l8t  of  August,  and  on  the  22d  reached 
Upper  Marlborough,  and  the  American  flotilla, 
which  had  ascended  as  high  as  this  place,  was 
now  destroyed,  while  Commodore  Barney,  ac- 
cording to  his  orders,  joined  General  Winder 
with  his  marines.     At  this  time,  the  Americaa 
General  had  not  more  than  2000  men.  just  col- 
lected  into  camp,  at  a  place  called  the  Woodyard. 
On  the  22d,  he  fell  back  to  the  Old  I  lelds,  where 
he  encamped  for  the  night. 

The  General  might  expect  to  be  re-inforced  in 

the  course  of  a  day  or  two,  by  the  militia  of  Bal- 

timore  and  Annapolis     .hich,  with  the  volunteers 

of  Georgetown  and  its  neighborhood,  and  the 

regulars  would  give  him  a  force  of  about  5,UUU 

men.     As  the  ground  was  extremely  favorable 

for  skirmishing,  and  irregular  fighting,  he  might 

harass  the  onemy  on  his  advance;  for  his  toree 

was  bv  no  means  sufficient  to  meet  the  enemy  in 

open  field.    On  the  23d,  the  General  detached  a 

party  under  Colonel  Scott,  for  the  purpose  of 

watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  ha- 

rassing  him  in  his  advance.     Within  six  miles  of 

the  American  camp,  the  enemy  was  desrricrt 

L2 


m 


HISTORY  or  Tlir  LATE  WAR 


marching  in  column;  aflor  firing  a  few  rounds, 
the  detachment  retreated,  and  the  enemy  advan- 
cing three  miles  further,  encamped  for  the  night. 
Apprehensive  of  a  night  nttack,  the  General 
marched  nbout  sunset  into  Washington,  and  en- 
camped near  the  navy-ynrd.  Early  the  next 
morning,  the  TJritish  were  discovered  to  havo 
taken  the  road  to  niadenshurg,  having  (ieneral 
Winder's  force  on  his  lell  flnrili.. 

fieneral  8laiisl)uiy"s  brigade,  about  130O 
strong,  arrived  at  this  place  on  the  22d,  and  wan 
joined  next  day  by  the  Haltimoreans  under  Col. 
Sterret,  about  500  in  number,  but  much  fatigued 
by  a  forced  march;  the  Colo|iel  was  accompanied 
by  the  artillery  companies  of  Myers  and  Ma- 
graudcr,  and  the  light  battalion  of  riflemen  under 
Finckney,  the  Attorney  (General. 

On  the  24th,  about  noon,  the  enemy  matle  his 
appearance  near  Bladensburg.  The  Ameriratis 
had  already  posted  themselves  in  the  following 
manner.  Stansbury's  brigade,  was  drawn  up  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Wcstsrn  l?ranch,  the  artille- 
ry posted  so  as  to  command  the  bridge,  the  rifle- 
men so  as  to  support  the  arlilicry;  iSicrret's  repi- 
ment  in  an  orchard  in  the  rear  ol"  these,  and  the 
other  troops  in  the  best  position  the  nature  of  the 
ground  would  admit,  (iien.  Winder  having  sur- 
veyed this  disposition  of  the  troops,  which  had 
been  made  with  the  assistance  of  Col.  Monroe, 
approved  of  them.  Tha  General  had  already 
powted  the  marines  and  ?eamen  on  the  rising 
ground  in  a  position  to  command  the  road,  in  two 
separate  batteries,  one  under  Com.  Barney  the 


LATE  WAR. 

firinc!  a  few  rounds, 
nd  the  enemy  advan- 
caniped  for  the  night, 
attack,  the  General 
Washington,  and  en- 
rH.     Early  the   next 

discovered  to  havo 
iiir2,   having  (iencral 
nriK. 
rigade,    about    130O 

on  the  22d,  and  v/an 
timoreans  under  Col. 
M",  but  much  fatigued 
|iel  was  accompanieH 

ot'  Myers  and  Ma- 
linn  of  riflemen  under 
neral. 

,  tiie  enemy  mat'e  his 
irg.  The  Ameriratis 
ivt"?  in  the  followins; 
ide,  was  drawn  up  on 
II  1?rnnch,  the  artille- 
1  flip  bridge,  the  rifle- 
lilinry;  iSirrrft's  repi- 
ear  ol"  thc^e,  and  ih«» 
ition  the  nature  of  the 

Winder  having  sur- 
lie  troops,  which  had 
mcc  of  Col.  Monroe, 
General  had  already 
eamen  on  the  rising 
mand  the  road,  in  two 
ier  Com.  Barney  the 


HISTORY  OF  Tlir.  LATF.  WAR.  1^ 

other  under  Cai)t.  Miller.     In  tiie  rear  of  these, 
there  was  a  second  line  of  regulars,  volunteer* 
and  militia,  under  General  Smith;  there  was  just 
time  to  post  thcs«^  about  half  a  mdc  in  the  rear 
of  the  first  line,  when  the  battle  commenced.     A 
strong  regiment  of  Maryland  militia,  commanded 
by  Colonels  Beal  and  Hood,   at  the  same  time 
took  posts  on  the  lengths  south  of  the  great  road 
among  the  woods,  whence  they  could  annoy  the 
approaching    enemv.      ITntil  this    moment,   the 
heads  of  department,  with  the  President,  were  on 
the  ground,  it  was  now  deemed  prudent  to  retire. 
The  enemy,  coming  in  view  of  the  American 
line,  moved  in  a  column  to  the  bridge.     The  ad- 
vance under  Col.  Thornton,  received  a  moinen- 
tary  check  from  the  well  served  artillery  of  My- 
ers  and  Magraiidcr,  and  from  the  fire  ot  the  rifle- 
men.    But  rallying  his  men,  the  Colonel  passed 
the  bridge,  and  then  moved  forward,  and  was 
soon  followed  by  the  main  body,  under  Gen.  Ross. 
The  American  artillery  and  riflemen  were  soon 
after  obliged  to  retreat,  while  the  enemy  contin- 
ued to  advance,  not  a  little  annoyed  by  the  artille- 
rv  of  Major  Peters.     When  the  enemy's  right 
a'npioar.hcd  within  musket  range  of  Stansbury  « 
brigade,  this  brigade  broke:  all  the  efforts  of  the 
commander,  (General  Winder,  and  the  other  offi- 
cers could  not  rally  them.     They  fled  in  conftt- 
won,  carrying  terror  wherever  they  went.     Ihe 
British  now  proceeded  in  column  along  the  road, 
until  thev  came  suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  m 
view  of  Commodore  Barney,  who  gave  them  eo 
warm  a  reception  that  they  precipitately  fell  back. 


, 


.A/'L' 


,'.  .^'i&iiMiiiff  T^~''  '^'"* 


HISTORY  OF  Tin;  LATE  WAR. 


IW 


leaviiij?  the  road  strewed  witli  the  dcnd.  The? 
deployed,  and  pushing  out  Hanking  parties,  cnden- 
vorod  to  gain  the  American  rear;  on  approaching 
the  battery  of  Captiiin  Miller,  they  met  with  a 
reception  as  little  ngreciihlo  on  that  afibrdcd  tliem 
by  Commodore  Barney;  they  continued,  however, 
to  Mcnd  out  flunking  parties,  until  both  these  gal- 
lant norpti  were  in  danger  of  being  cut  off,  when 
they  were  ordered  to  retreat.  The  Commodore 
ha<l  been  severely  wounded  nnd  fell  into  the  ene- 
my's hands.  Stanburyu  brigade  had  been  or- 
dered to  rally  on  the  sav;o;.(l  line,  commanded  by 
(Jencral  Smith,  but  on  coming  to  the  road  which 
led  to  Montgomery  Cotirt-house,  they  had  nearly 
all  taken  that  direction,  and  others  were  dis- 
persed. General  Winder,  now  apprehcntive  thnt 
this  line  would  be  outHankcd,  ordered  it  to  retreat 
intending  to  make  anotlier  sttind  nearer  the  capitol. 
fieneral  Winder  rode  to  the  capitol,  and  meeting 
witii  the  President  and  heads  of  dt^partments,  on 
ronsuItiV'ion  agreed  that  a  necond  attempt,  since 
the  flight  of  the  great  body  of  the  troops  was  not 
practicable,  General  Smith  wnPthcMTlore  order- 
ed to  march  through  the  city  nnd  take  position 
on  the  heights  of  (ieorgetowu. 

Meeting  with  no  farther  resistance,  the  British 
ereneral  approached  the  metropolis  with  about 
1000  men,  where  he  arrived  about  eight  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  while  thfl  remainder  of  the  army 
encamped  within  a  mile  or  two  of  the  place.  Th*! 
libraries  were  burnt,  as  also  were  the  diflercnt 
offices,  whence  fortunately  the  archives  of  the 
State  had  been  rrmovad.     Tjio  loss  of  the  P.ri- 


Ji 


LATE  WAR. 

•itii  the  ilcnd.  Thejr 
ttiikiiig  parties,  cmlen- 
ronr;  on  approachinj; 
Icr,  they  met  with  a 
an  thnt  afTordcd  them 
y  continued,  however, 
,  until  both  thene  gal- 
f  being  cut  off,  when 
t.  The  Commodore 
nnd  tell  into  the  cne- 
rigadc  had  been  or- 
I  lirje,  commanded  by 
ing  to  the  road  which 
ouse,  they  had  nearly 
ind  others  were  dis- 
10W  apprehensive  thnt 
d,  ordered  it  to  retreat 
tind  nearer  the  capitol. 
!  capitol,  nnd  meeting 
ds  of  d  (apartments,  on 
iccorid  attempt,  since 
of  the  troops  was  not 
\  wnPthcM-elore  order- 
ly nnd   take  position 

Wll. 

I'csistaricc,  the  British 
otropolis  with  about 
id  about  eight  o'clock 
cmaindcr  of  the  army 
ivo  of  the  place.  Th*!! 
60  were  the  different 
'■  the  archives  of  the 
Thf>  loss  of  the  P.ri- 


Hlf^ORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR.         129 

lish  was  very  ronsiderablo;    it  iH  estimated  at 
10(K»,  luanv  Imvin^  descrtcMJ. 

The  enemy  retreated  to  llcnedirt  on  the  -.^tn 
carrying  away  conMiderablc  booty.     In  the  mean- 
wiiile,  the  naval  detaclinuint  under  Captain  (ior- 
don,    ascended  the  Potomac,  and  on  the  27th,  ap- 
proached Fort  Washington,  wi.icli  was  m.medi- 
atcly  blown  up  by  the  oHicer  commanduig  with- 
out firmg  a  gun.     The  enemy  now  mectmg  no 
opposition  passed  to  Alexandria,  which  place  wa» 
put  under  a  heavy  contribution.     A  U  the  produce, 
merrhandise,  anil  shippmg,  were  demumled,  and 
rcfiuired  to  bo  delivered  under  a  threat  ot  de- 
stroying the  town.     With  these  bard  condition* 
the  citizens  were  obliged  to  comply,  and  the  IJri- 
tish  descended  the  bay  with  a  very  respectable 
amount  of  plunder. 

The  third  division  of  the  invaders  was  not  so 
successful.  Sir  Peter  Parker,  with  a  bo<ly  of  sai- 
lors and  marines,  who  ascended  the  Chesaoeake, 
met  with  a  different  fortune.  Having  landed 
about  200  of  bis  men  lor  the  purpose  of  dispers- 
ing a  body  of  Maryland  militia,  near  t»t!orge- 
town  Cross  Roads. 'he  was  met  with  a  firmncs« 
quite  unexpected,  and  after  a  sharp  action  be  re-= 
ccived  a  mortal  wound,  on  which  his  detachment 
fell  back  to  their  ships,  losing  upwards  ot  30  in 
killed  and  wounded. 

The  British  forces  in  the  Chesapeake  and  ita 
waters,  assembled  under  the  commander  in  chief 
Admiral  Cochrane,  and  now  composed  a  most 
formidable  armada  of  more  than  fifty  sail,  having 
on  board  more  than  5000  land  troops,  iind«r  i»^ 


u 


I 


HiriX)!!!  OF  THE  LATE  WML 


\m 


n«ral  Kosti.  On  tho  10th  of  yt|tttml)er,  the  rht- 
ioutilv  expcLlfd  ciu'iny  npiK'arol  at  the  mouth  of 
tho  I'atapMio,  II  iiiilVs  IhjIow  Haltinioio.  The 
ilefenco  of  this  (lourisliin;;  and  [in|iiiiuiiN  city  was 
uM8i(!;ned  to  Major  (jciioral  ^Saln.  Smith  and  Uri- 
gadior  JienonilVtiickor,  hoth  rfvolutionaiy  vote- 
ranH.  The  hitter  at  U\s  rc'iiioHt,  waw  ditacliod  to 
meet  th«  eiiciny  iit  hi»  liindiii^^  near  North  I'oint.^ 
Th<!  General  aceordiii)j;ly  inunlied  with  ii  part  of 
hin  brigade,  and  several  additional  corps  of  nrtd- 
lery.  cuvelrv.  and  riflemen,  in  the  whole  idiout 
3000  men,  A  dotacinnvnt  was  ordered  to  move 
forward  to  watcli  the  enemy.  On  the  evening  of 
the  llth,  tho  troops  reached  their  place  of  desti- 
nation, seven  miles  below  tho  city. 

Early  in  the  morning,  the  vidctlcs  brought  in- 
formation that  the  enemy  was  debarking  under 
cover  of  his  gun-boatt:;  on  thin  the  (Jencral  took 

?io(>ition  at  the  junction  of  the  different  roads 
eading  from  tho  city,  resting  his  right  on  Bear- 
Creek,  his  left  covered  by  a  swamp,  and  in  this 
situation  awaited  the  enemy.  Major  Heath,  who 
had  been  srnt  forward  to  nkinnish  with  the  ene- 
my, now  retired  before  the  advancing  columnH  of 
<ioneral  Boss.  The  General,  while  reconnoiter- 
ing  at  the  head  of  his  troop.«»,  received  a  rifle  ball 
in  the  breast,  which  put  at  once  an  end  to  his  ca- 
reer. The  connnand  devolving  on  Col.  Brooks, 
he  moved  with  the  w  hole  force,  little  short  of  7000 
men,  and  commenced  the  engagement  by  firing 
rockets;  a  brisk  cannonade  was  opened  from  the 
»rtiU«ry  of  (apt  Montgomery,  which  waswarm- 
Jy  returned  by  the  enemy,  and  th»  action  soon  be- 


ranii 

taini 

Hupe 

how 

way 

pelli 

to  r< 

a  in 

up 

iliro 

citv 

Wii 

mil 

goc 

nioi 

nur 

nut 

tro' 

aid 

Br 


LATF,  VVAIt 


)f  yti)teml)er,  Iheanx- 
j'ure  I  at  tlie  nioulh  of 
sidw  |{altinioio.  The 
ind  [io)iiiiuiiN  city  wus 
Sam.  Smith  uiid  Ilri- 
itli  ri'volulionai  V  vote- 
[iK-Ht,  wiiH  (Utucliod  to 
iii^'  near  North  Point, 
mrilied  with  ii  part  of 
(htional  corps  of  nrtil- 
1,  ill  the  whohi  about 
wus  ordered  to  mov« 
/.  On  the  evening  of 
d  their  place  of  dcsti- 
tho  city. 

le  \idctlcs  brought  in- 
WU8  debarking  under 
thiN  the  (jeneral  took 
f  the  different  roads 
ng  liis  right  on  Bcar- 
a  swamp,  and  in  this 
i.  Major  Heath,  who 
Hkinnisii  with  the  ene- 
ndvancing  coUimns  of 
ral,  wiiilc  reconnoiter- 
w,  received  a  rifle  ball 
once  an  end  to  his  ca- 
dving  on  Col.  Brooks, 
irce,  little  short  of  7000 
engagement  by  firing 
e  was  opened  from  the 
ery,  which  was  warm- 
ind  th»  action  soon  b«- 


insfonv  OF  Tur.  latf,  war. 


Ml 


rimo  noneral.     '1  !..•  Am.ri.ar.  commander  inam- 
;  .-d  luH  ground  an  hour  and  .  half  "K^inHt  th« 
;:;  er.or  numbers  of  the  nr.lwd..     l^'J^'f  -,!»»;    ; 
however,  the  regiment  .tal.oned  on  1 1.  H    g a  e 
wav.  and  his  flank  became  exposed,  which  con 
Sd  him  sooner  than  if  this  had  not  ''"pp.ned 
I  retire  upon  hi.  reserve,  a  "•«""!:"V";''  l^'  ''^t*^ 
n  mile  in   he  rc^ar.     'riuH  being  cdoctcd,  be  look 
p't•:;';:a;ch^md   retired  to  the  en.rend^^^^^^^^^^ 

,1  rown  up  on  the  rising  ground  to  l'«  ^'^^  °77^ 
ctv,  where  he  was  prescnCv  .,o.ne,n.>  ^'     "^  * 

militia,  under  (Captain  Hurd's  United  MatcH  dra 
^oni.'    In  .hi«  wcU-fought  l-ttle  .here  were  no 
more  tlian  I  KM)  men  on  tiie  American  side,  tlieir 
mimber.  bavn,=  been  duninisiied  ^7  j'-  '-"  ,  ' 
.ndbyfhoun,mt,n.n.epa,nc^^-^;^ 
troops  that  gave  way.      I  he  lo».-«  on  lui  '»• 
sidouu.  al^oiit  190  in  killed   and  wounded,   th« 
llri'ish  loss  was  at  Ica^t  ()*H).  , 

Tie  br.gadc.  under  (icueral    ^tansbury   nm 
Formnn,  L  seamen  and  niannes  ""^er  Commo 
lore  U.  oi'ors.  the  I'enn.^^  hania  volunteers,   11^.. 
Bltiinove'marme  artillery,  n-nned  the  -n  rend^- 
ments    and  heavy  ba.tence.     Thus  p<^^'cJ.  'J^^J 
rouragenu«lv  waited  the  »PPro«<^V.^'«„^"  ^ 
who  Ind  not- though,  proper  to  l>"»V"i^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
the  baltle  of  North  I'omt.  ^cxt  ir.orn  i^     e  bo» 
tile  arn.v  appeorcd  within  two  miles  '»f'»"»"{"''^ 
American  line,,  inclined  to  the  York  an^      art 
ford  Roads,  n«  if  to  roach  the  town  •"   haU.re. 

,ion.bnt   observing  <li^t  ^'^"^^'^'^/''i':!  (^'.rr. 
\Vin.!.-,r    ah  pt-d  ihcir  laovcmcnts  so  ns  1*  ^tw- 


4 


^ni'' 


l«l 


HISTORY  or  THE  LATE  WAR. 


teract  this  design,  it  approached  within  a  mile,  n^> 
if  tc  attack  in  frunt. 

In  the  midst  of  tliesc  important  operatidns,  a 
powerful  attack  was  niatlc  upon  Fort  M'JIenry, 
which  commands  the  aiij)ioacii  to  tlic  city  by  wa- 
ter. The  defence  of  this  place  was  cnlrusKMl  to 
Major  Aimistead,  together  witii  several  compa- 
nies of  Baltimore  artillerists,  supj)orted  hy  a  l)o- 
<ly  of  infantry  and  inarincis.  Two  batteries  to  tins 
right,  were  manned  by  sailors,  the  « "le  under 
liicutcnant  Newcoinb,  and  the  other  under  liicu- 
tenant  Welister.  The  bombarding  vessels,  plac- 
ing themselves  out  of  the  reach  of  the  guns  of  tho 
fort,  continued  throwing  shells  during  the  whole- 
day  and  night,  with  very  little  interruption,  whilo 
those  in  the  fort  were  compelled  to  remain  entire- 
ly inactive.  Once  indeed,  they  approached  suffi- 
ciently near  for  the  guns  of  the  fort  to  be  brought 
to  bear,  which  soon  compelled  them  to  retire. 
D\iring  the  night  several  of  their  barges  were  dis- 
covered approaching  the  shore,  and  were  immcdi- 
ately  attackeil  from  the  batteries  to  the  right,  and 
one  of  them  destroyed. 

Hy  this  time,  on  consultation  between  the  land 
and  naval  commanders,  it  was  mutually  agreed 
that  the  captive  of  the  city  was  impracticable. 
The  retreat  •*  the  army  was  commenced  under 
cover  of  a  dark  and  tempestuous  night.  The  next 
morning  they  had  entirely  disappeared  from  be- 
f«re  the  lines,  and  were  immediately  pursued  by 
♦ieneral  Winder,  who  captured  a  few  stragglers. 
Colonel  Brooks  re-embarked  his  troop.'?  in  safety. 


Gh 
Pic 

1 

Oe 
M» 
tha 
To 
Pr 
sai 
ha 
Hi 
be 
sa 
tei 


iBBgnfBlifiW 


LATE  WAR. 

chcd  within  a  mile,  n^> 

portant  operatidiis,  a 
upon  Fort  ISl'JIenry, 
icii  to  tlic  city  by  wa- 
aco  was  cntnistofl  to 
witli  several  coiupa- 
s,  supj)orted  by  a  bo- 
Two  batteries  to  tb<s 
ilors,  the  <  "le  under 
tlie  other  under  Licu- 
bardinf»  vessels,  plac- 
iieb  of  the  guns  ol"t!io 
ells  during  the  vvbole 
llln  interruption,  wiiilo 
illed  (o  remain  entiro- 
they  approached  suffi- 
tlie  fort  to  be  brought 
iclled  them  to  retire. 
Iheir  barges  were  dis- 
[)rc,  and  were  imnicdi- 
cries  to  tiiu  right,  and 

ition  between  the  land 
was  mutually  agreed 
y  was  impracticable. 
>as  commenced  under 
uous  night.  The  next 
disappeared  from  be- 
imcdiatcly  pursued  by 
ired  a  few  stmgglers. 
jd  his  troops  in  safety. 


HISTORY  OF  THK  I.ATE  WAR.  133 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Ghriom  crcnts  of  the  u-ar—lintkh  drfrat^d  at 
Plattsbitrgli—li'imlsrd  at  .\ri."  Orlcaiix—J:  race 
We  have  alrcuclv  mentioned  tlie  departure  of 
General  Izard  for  Plntfsl.tircili,  and  that  (Jcneral 
M'Comb  wa-i   l^'ft  in  coniUKind.   with  little  more 
than  1400  regulars,  manvof  whi<h  were  mvalids. 
Towards    the  lailor  end  of    Viigusl.  [*u-  (ieorgo 
Provost  had  collected  an  army  of  as  many  thou- 
sands,   chieflv  vcleriin  troop.s,  with  a  view,  as  it 
has  since  been  ascertained,  of  penetrating  to  the 
Hudson.     Sir  (ieorge.  ab.Mit  the  lirst  of  Septem- 
ber, past  into  the  American  territory,  while  at  the 
same  time,  a  squadron  under  Captain  Downie  en- 
tered Lake  Champlain. 

General   M'Comb    and    Commodore   M'Uon 
nough,  were  not  idle  in  making  every  iireparation 
to  oppose  the  most  cnbctual   resistance   to  this 
mcst  formidable  enemy.     A  body  of  militia  un- 
der General  Moers,'  of  New-York,  and  also  ano- 
ther from  Vermont,  under  General  Strong,  added 
to  the  strength  of  the  place,  while  the  militia  ^li- 
ed in  from  all  (piarters  were  daily  arriving.    The 
naval  commander  was  equally  industrious;  as  an 
instance  of  the  wonderful  e\ertion  made  on  this 
important  occasion,  he  added  a  brig  to  his  force, 
before  greatly  inferior  to  the  enemy"s  in  the  short 
period  of  twenty  days,  the  timber  of  which  was 
actually  growing  on  the  lake  when  the  vessel  \yas 
begun.     Even    boys  were  armed,    and  tc^rramg 
themselves  into  a  company,  were  found  eflicicnt 
on  the   dav  of  battle.     < General  Mocr.*.  Colonel 
M 


131  HISTORY  OF  THE  I.ATK  WAR. 

Appliii;;.  Major  wood,  and  Cuptnin  Sproiil,  werfl 
pent  fonvunlat  tln^  lioiid  ofdctacliiiuMits,  to  meet 
the  advaiifin*;  too.  It  was  not  till  the  KHh  thnt 
Sir  (icor<^o  "c'.rhud  l*!attshiir<:li,  and  took  ])0s- 
si<s*ion  of  llu'  villafxc,  whiloliw  Amoricans retreat- 
ed behind  llieir  deloin-os  on  tho  other  sido  the  riv- 
er Suranac,  liavinj?  taki-n  up  tlic  planks  of  the. 
bridKO-'.  Hero  the  British  rcniaincd  tilmost  in- 
uetive  for  several  days,  waitinir  no  douht  for  the 
arrival  of  his  stpiudron,  intending'  to  capture  thr, 
American  ship^4.  Nnmorous  skirmishes,  iiow- 
cvor,  ocf'iirred  dailv. 

On  the  I  Iti),  early  in  the  inorninsr.  tbc  look-ont 
hoalsi  of  Commodore  AM)onoiis;li  at  la«t  ospiod 
tho  approacii  oi"  Captain  i)ownie.  in  order  of  bat- 
tle,    ills  line  consisted  of  the  frigate  Confiance, 
:}9  (inns;  the  britr  liimvt,  10  jiinip;  the  s^loop  Chub 
jind  Finch,  11  i,'un.s  each;  and  13  {rallies,  five    of 
which  carried  two,  and  the  othe.s'  one  fr„n  each. 
The  Ami'riciui  sipiadron  .onsisted  of  the  S.irafo- 
ira,  -iBfluns:  the  Eagle  •»i;p;im»;  iIk'  Tieonderoga, 
it' guns;  the  Pieblc,  7  guns,   and  ten  gallics,  p3.\ 
of  which  carried  two  i;iiiis.   tho  others  one.     ll 
lay  moored  in  u  line  witli  tiie  bay  of  PUittsbm-gh, 
having  ou  each  ilank  n  division  of  gnn  boats.    At 
ten  (."clock  Captain  Downie  raii^^ed  his  ships  di- 
rcctlv  al)roast  the  American  line.  witlim:UH)  yards: 
t'.ie  Confiance    opposite  tiie   r^aratoiM,    ,iod    the 
Linnet  the  Eagle.     Dreadful  was  the  thundering 
battle  which  now  ensued:  havoc  and  death  ruled 
the  frightful  fray.     About  ten  the  Eagle  changed 
her  position,  opposed  to  a  f.hip  of  vastly  supertor 
force;   nearly  all  the  guns  of  this  vessel,  upon 


I.ATK  VVAlt 

[\iptiiin  Sproiil,  were 
[lotacliinonts,  to  meet 
not  till  tho  10th  thnt 
l)Ui-<:li,  aiifl  took  ])0s- 
Iw  Anipricansrctroat- 
tlio  oilior  sifio  tlioriv- 
np  tlic  plnnks  of  tliR 
remained  iilmost  in- 
itinjL'  no  doubt  for  the, 
i'ii<iiM;4  to  capture  the 
ii«!i  skirmishe?!,    how- 

morninsr.  the  look-out 
'inoiiuli  at  last  cspiod 
)\vni»i.  in  order  of  bat- 
ihe  tVic:ato  Confianre, 
)!jtinf-;  the  sloop  Chub 
uui  13  {^allies,  five    of 

otlieis  ono  gun  each. 
insisted  of  the  Sarafo- 
un»;  t!i"  Tieonderoga, 
s,  and  ten  {^allii's,  six 
;.  the  others  one.  It 
le  bay  of  l*lattsbin-gli, 
siou  of  gnn  boats.  .At 
e  ranjfed  his  ships  di- 

jiae.  \vitl!iu:UM)ynrdt«: 
If  r^;iratoi>:a,  and  the 
t'ul  was  the  thundering 
havoc  and  death  ruled 
en  the  Eagle  changed 
'hip  of  vastly  superior 
s  of  this  vessel,  upon 


HISTORY  OF  THi:  I.ATK  WATl. 


l*^ 


.hose  sucess  hung  the  lute  of  'ho  b^^^^^^jjlj 
d>sn.ounted.    an  etlort    wa«    made        ^^^'^fj^' 

rbr'/^;:;v:^;'nc^'"-""^ 

:^J:^peruuen.wastr^..tW.ie^^o^^^^^ 

lint  without  sueeos:  on  peu  (  jm"^  •'"  < 
iml  wiinoin  .  u  oppof-ed  to  the 

compe  led  to  strike.      J  lU-  "^i    ■  > '     i  i  ^  , 

Ea-  e  hud  alrraay  struck,  and  drifted  ou      t  "o 
line      Three  of  the  -uUies  had  gone  to  tiie  bot- 
^ofSe'^ke,  the  others  etIiM.tedth<.rc.cnp. 

"•'^TV7tw:it:;.::'^tt?;:m.nri'^'^P 

;i^:n4^-humbieit.elfbe,.rethe  strength 

S— ^..^^.'Mt-restni..wit,,W 

1      ■   r    .iii:if»th(>    \meneans  weic   eiaieu 
rorandgnol,  while  tut.  -\nui  « ,,,e,icans 

beyond  the  expression  ot  wor.ls.    I  he  -^'"*'"J'^    . 
ad  151  in  killed  and  wounded.   Ot  the  encmv^OO 
tt  kilte.rand  wo.mded,  among  the  to'nu'r,  t apt^ 
Downie.     The  number  of  men  ;"?«.?;  •*'•"",  ^^ 

American  side  w.s  H-20,  on  t'-. '^ -[-'j^^'^^i' ;  ^f 
that  tho  prisoners  alone,  «<-:=^ded  he  loimbe  ot 
the  Americans.  The  Americana  had  h4  guns, 
the  Briti.sh  95. 

CHAPTEU  XVI. 

D,' fence  „f  NcwOrlrMUs-lirilliant  terminahon  fj 
the  War. 
On  the  meeting  of  Congress,  the  President  laid 
before  them    the   ohe^u.-red  scene*  ot    the  pa-t 


% 


136 


HISTORY  OF  TIIK  LATE  WAR. 


year.  Th<>  thanks  of  this  body,  together  witli 
rncdalH  iiiui  other  rewards  wtjrc  voted  to  tlie  he- 
roes ot'  tho  last  ciini[)aign  on  Niagara  and  at 
Plattsburyh.  V^cry  soon  alter  tho  meeting  of  tho 
Congress,  news  from  tho  soutlnvard  awakened 
the  attention  and  tho  anxiety  of  all  Americans. — 
InteHigenco  from  tiiat  (|uartoi-  M\  no  doubt  of  an 
intended  invasion  of  Louisiana.  Gen.  Jackson 
80  distinguifslicd  for  his  zeal,  :md  lor  his  victories 
over  tiio  Creeks,  was  appointed  a  Major-general, 
and  the  command  of  tlie  Southern  district  assign- 
ed to  him.  In  tiie  summer  of  Ibll,  he  fixed  his 
head-(iuartt;rs  at  Mobile,  wlierc  he  assembled  a 
respectable  force  of  regulars,  volunteers  and  mil- 
itia, the  two  last  from  Teimci^.sec  chiefly. 

On  the  lutli  of  t^cptember,  a  squadron  of  the 
enemy,  consisting  of  two  frigates  and  two  gun 
brigs,  appeared  i)efore  Fort  l?owyer,  at  Mobile 
Point,  then  garrisoned  by  Major  Liiwrence  with 
about  120  men.  A  land  force  under  capt.  Wood- 
bine, consistiiig  of  about  100  marines  and  400 
Indians  under  Col.  i\icho!s,  invested  the  fort  by 
land.  Tlio  fort  withstood  tiii.s  combined  attack 
with  the  utmost  lirmnos-';  the  laud  troops  were 
compelled  to  retire,  and  tlie  the  was  so  well  di- 
rected against  the  llritisli  vessels,  that  (hey  were 
compelled  to  cut  their  cai)l(!S  tmd  basten  out  of  tho 
way,  but  not  without  tlie  loss  of  their  Hag  ship 
wiiich  was  set  on  fire  and  blown  up.  Tho  loss 
of  tiio  assailants  was  believed  to  be  very  seriouB, 
on  tlie  American  side  it  was  trifling. 

Tho  Britisli  fleet,  after  leaving  the  Chesapeake 
had  gone  chiefly  to  the  Bermudas,  and  every  day 


^TK  WAR. 

ody,  together  with 
;rc  voted  to  tlie  he- 
n  Niagara  and    at 

tlio  meeting  of  the 
Lithward  awakened 
:^fai!  Americans. — 

loll  no  doubt  of  an 
na.  Cien.  Jackson 
md  lor  his  victories 
M\n  Major-general, 
icrn  district  assign- 
■  Ibll,  he  fixed  his 
ore  he  assembled  a 

volunteers  and  mil- 
•^.see  ciui'fly. 
,  a  squadron  of  tho 
ifiatos  and  two  gun 

l?owyer,  at  Mobile 
ajor  Liiwrence  with 
c  under  capt.  Wood- 
10  marines  and  400 
invested  the  fort  by 
lis  coml)ined  attack 
m  land  troops  were 
the  was  so  well  di- 
sscl.s,  tljat  they  were 
!ind  htiRtcn  out  of  tho 
■H  of  their  llag  ship 
lown  up.  Tho  loss 
d  to  bo  very  seriouB, 
trifling. 

ving  the  Chesapeake 
ludas,  and  every  day 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


imr 


brought  accounts  of  important  P'«P;"j;;;;';/!! 
SlTenterprize  against  J^e  bou^^^^^^ 

The  mighty  '^""-^Iv^^.^Sf  ^ '^^^^^^^^^    ol"  «.xty 

«ith  his  brave  'J^'^T^'.^nnf  December      H; 
where  he  arrived  on  t  'e-J^f  *^^  ^s  vhich  the 

' '    fl^tiHii  of  ffun-boats  commanded  by   ijieui. 

the  enemy's  "^"^'='";''^"   Jrby  tbrty   luunches 
the  gun-boats  were  «^tacl^^  by  tor  y^        ^^^^ 

""m  danger  was  now  at  hand  :  Gen  Jackson 
ordc^^d  mfrtial  bw  to  be  Procla.med  -d ^ le 
whole  of  the  militia  was  called  out  on  dut> . 


~-.v^« 


jpr.-'jg'!tiM*'j^!*T?i'*y?.v"fWW^?^J^^^^jP^gtp' 


\3S 


HISTORY  f)F  THE  LATF,  WAR. 


Le^rislature  then  in  session,  made  appropriations* 
and  an  onibar^o  was  laid  on  all  vessels  then  m 
port.  No  exertion  that  could  be  made  was  omit- 
ted. On  the  21st  Gen.  (.!arroll  arrived  from'JPen- 
uessee  witii  KMtO  men,  many  of  them  not  armed, 
and  others  hadly.  About  tliiw  time  the  city  re- 
eeivcd  u  new  accession  of  force  from  the  arrival 
of  the  Bi'.ritarian  pirates.  Their  leader  had  re- 
ceived offers  from  the  Knpilish  which  were  refu- 
sed. They  offered  tlieni^elves  to  (Jen.  Jackson 
and  were  received.  For  their  bravery  their  chief 
Lafitte  and  Ihemselw.s  received  a  tiill  pardon. 

The  raptiue  of  the  squadiou  of  pun-boats  left 
the  way  open  to  attack  on  the  side  of  the  lakes. 
It  was  therefore  neces.>ary  to  close  all  the  canals 
or  bayous,  which  would  enable  the  enemy  to  pass 
through  the  hwanip  and  reach  the  strip  of  dry  land 
on  the  hank  of  tlie  river.  This  important  duty 
was  entrusted  to  (len.  Villere,  a  native  of  the 
country,  and  well  acquainted  with  the  secret  pas- 
sages. Unfortunately,  the  guard  stationed  at  the 
entrance  of  the  bayo.i  Bien-venu  was  captured, 
and  proceediu'T  secretly  they  reached  the  dry 
land,  and  emerjred  from  the  forest  at  tha  bank  of 
the  mighty  rivcsr,  about  3  o'clock  i*.  M.  on  the 
23d  of  December.  This  force  consisted  of  four 
thousand,  and  instead  of  moving  directly  on  to  the 
city,  halted  to  prcpiiro  their  meal,  and  moved  to- 
wards the  city  at  their  leisure,  as  it  was  now,  in 
their  estimation,  entirely  In  their  power. 

Intelligence  of  this  unexpected  and  alarming 
march  of  the  British,  was  communicated  to  Gen. 
Jackson  by  Major  Villore,  who  had  been  taken 


til  I 


.ATF,  WAR. 

iiade  appropriations* 
1  all  vessels  then  ui 
J  be  made  was  omit- 
r>ll  arrived  from  T-en- 

of  tlic.m  not  armed, 
liH  time  the  city  re- 
irce  from  the  arrival 
rhcir  leader  had  re- 
ish  which  were  refu- 
ses to  (ten.  Jackson 
iir  bravery  their  chief 
vf;d  a  full  pardon, 
ron  of  pua-boats  left 
lie  side  of  the  lakes. 
)  close  all  the  canals 
jle  the  enemy  to  pass 
h  the  strip  of  dry  land 
This  important  duty 
lore,  a  native  of  the 
I  with  the  secret  pas- 
uard  stationed  at  the 
i-venu  was  captured, 
icy  reached  the  dry 
forest  at  tha  bank  of 
j'clock  i*.  M.  on  the 
rcc  conf<isted  of  four 
ling  directly  on  to  the 
meal,  and  moved  to- 
re, as  it  was  now,  in 
their  power, 
pected  and   alarming 
ommunicatcd  to  Gen. 

who  had  been  taken 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LATF.  WAR- 


199 


•nboner,  but  escaped.    The   General,  with  hi. 

E/::srttSpii:v5i£ 

orders  for  alltl,..  f^^^^^^oit^. 
the  utmost  speed,  ho  put  *""'f '.  ^  "'  i^o,,  of  co- 
regulars,  the  city  in.hua.nnd  U..  b^tulUon^ot  ^^^ 
icredtroop..  an.  ad  once  a  «^  for  the  remain- 
city,  where  he  lultea  lo  t,'^^  ,        schooner 

fireB  and  ^^^^^^^'^^'^^^..^^oi^,  but  after 
were  at  hrs  ^f";';  ''  ^^  f^^med  and  return- 
sometime  bomg  ralhc.l,  ti.e)  '"^^  ,        j^j  j^ 

ed  the  f.c  of  the  Amc..oan..  ^^^^[l^^^^^,,,^ 
SrS;n';Snr'he(i.i.t  .any  .longer. 
jt  impruuuu  iv*  rcnn-uiy  of  city  riflemen. 


„a»*!«*^' 


i^,i<.4Sifct- 


J 


^ 


MsJ..,*!U,  -V' 


140         HISTORY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 

rantagen  in  the  speedy  erection  of  defences,  as  it 
answered  all  the  purposes  of  a  ditch.  The  losa 
of  the  Americans  in  tliis  bold  and  well  advitied  at- 
tack, was  24  Itillwd,  115  wotindcul  and  74  missing^ 
The  British  loss  wa«  t  stiinatod  at  46  killed,  167 
wounded  and  64  missing.  This  battle  saved  the 
oity  of  New  Orleans,  for  had  the  British  advan- 
ced the  next  morning  it  wi.iild  have  been  impos- 
•iblc  to  have  withstood  them.  Fortunately,  all 
the  prisoners  who  fell  into  liu.ir  hands  concurred 
in  magnifying  the  American  force  to  10  or  15000 
men. 

In  the  mean  time,  a  prodigious  effort  was  ma- 
king to  fortify  the  American  position.     Bales  of 
cotton  were  used  to  expedite  the  erection  of  the 
breast  work.     In  a  few  days,  the  line  extended  a 
thousand  yards  to  tlie  swarnp  which  was  there  im- 
passable.    A  swell  in  the  river,  somewhat  unu- 
sual at  this   season,  enabled  them  «o  make  an 
opening  in  the  levee,  and  to  flood  the  ground  in 
front  of  tlje  lino,  and  wiien  the  water  subsided,  a 
suflficicnt  quantity  was  left  in  the  ditch.     On  the 
opposite  bank  of  the  river,  some  works  were  also 
constructed,  and  batteries  erected.     On  the  26th 
the  British  directed  hot  shot  at  the  Caroline,  who 
from  her  position  annoyed  them  exceedingly. — 
They  succeeded  in  blowing  her  up.     Two  days 
afterwards,   they  made  a  general  attack  on  the 
American  lines  with  bombs,  rockets  and  artillery, 
but  after  a  fair  experiment,  they  retired  in  the 
evening  with  considerable  loss.     On  the  1st  of 
January,  having  during  the  night  erected  batter 
rie»  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  American 


TE  WAR. 

1  of  defences,  ns  it 
I  ditch.  The  Iubb 
lid  well  advised  at- 
v.i\  and  74  missing, 
id  at  46  killed,  167 
is  battle  saved  the 
the  British  advan- 
l  have  been  inipos- 
Fortunately,  all 
ir  hands  concmrod 
jrco  to  10  or  15000 

;iouR  effort  wae  ma- 
po.'sition.  Eales  of 
the  erection  of  the 
the  line  extended  a 
kvhich  was  there  im- 
er,  somewhat  unu- 

theni  *o  make  an 
flood  the  ground  in 
i  water  subHided,  a 
the  ditch.  On  the 
me  works  were  also 
Bcted.  On  the  26th 
It  the  Caroline,  who 
hem  exceedingly. — 
her  up.  Two  days 
neral  attack  on  the 
rockets  and  artillery, 

they  retired  in  the 
loss.  On  the  1st  of 
night  erected  batten 
rdsofthe  American 


HISTOUY  OF  THE  LATE  WAR. 


HI 


.vark«,they  made  -o^''- ""^I;,;;;?;;:;:  of  ?6 
^''^'  ^r^n:To:;l--  b  d  .nl'n'th:  place 

Lainbert,  their  whole    "'.f «  'jj^.^;;^^,    ,  ,t  was 

e.h.m.  --  ;t1^V;;  -  J   SSVanli'nc.by  main 
„ow  resolve  1  to  foe.  11         ^^^^       hetrogeneouS 

strength.     1  ''^^'' ',,..,.,,,,,  countr  oh  and  langua- 
materials;  vnenolditVntcouii  b.^.^ 

ges,   and  not  all  armed,    particularly 
hist  arrived.  j^j,  infinite 

In  tlienif?ht  of  the  ^th  ^''f,  °","/rfet.pening  the 
labour  succeede,!  in  ^\''.^'  '"f.^'^^tad  aCo.ched 
the  suamp  dram  ^V -''^JS/rmK  of  their 
the  river,  so  as  to  ?ct  '^^  ""''',.    „      the  whole 

;;t;^Se;that.on.Ungunus^- 

forward,  a"^^^^'^'-\7' f,' J.  '"^h'cd  upon.- 
that  a  general  '^^^l^fy^'^^^.lr.^l-mos 
With  the  «lM'«^'f""^V   ,  .    s'ho lo    British  force 

ing  ladder,  and  '='^^''-'\  '  /' ^j,  ,e  the  KnUsh 
pervaded  XJ^^^;i^;^Z:^^^.  range  of 
were  permitted  to  ;>.!  F"''^      ^  amost  tremen- 

^."^^^rr'lndtt  r  <iC  w^re  entirely  un- 
tied'un^S'oa^tvel  plain,   they  were  mown 


../ 


1 


\Vi         HISTORY  OF  THE  I.ATK  WAR, 

down  with   prodi{jit)iis    sliii alitor.     Thov    still, 
however,  coiaajrootipiy   inovrti  turwiutl.  rlowing 
up  tiio  l»roi<i'n  milks  with  Ircsli  tioopH.  But  when 
they  rame  witliiii  iiik  h  of  the  irmsket  and  dead- 
ly rifle,  tln!  wliole  Ameiicaii  line  wnw  one  sheet 
of  fire.      It  was  in   vain  that  the  British   odieerB 
endeavored  toinj{e forward  Iheir  troopn  to  ocrtnin 
8lnun;hter:  tiie  hrnvest  ottiiem  fell  at  tin-  head  of 
their  cohimiis.  Tliev  at  Itist  shrunk  from  the  con- 
test, in  whieh  thev  saw  nothinir  but  universal   ru- 
in.    The  columns  broke,  and   Hod  in  the  utmost 
confusion.     A  few  detachments  only  eould  reach 
the  ditch,  where  they  were  devoted  to  pure  des- 
truction.    A    few  piattoons,  led  by  Col.    Henee, 
reached  the  ditch  and  clanibered  up  the  rampart; 
but  in  an  instant  not  one  of  them  was  left  alive. 
The  repulse  was  universal.     The  astonibhed  Bri- 
tons stood  afihast  tor  a  few  miimtes,  when  in  a 
fit  of  phrcnzy  they  made  the  second  eftort ;   but 
with  the  same   unfortunate  result.     They  were 
now  roiled   away  Irom  the  tield,   which  was  left 
covered  with  the'  slain;  a  most  shocking  and  pit- 
iable scene  of  carnage.    The  commander-inchief. 
General  Packenham,  fell  almost  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  action;  soon  after  him,  (ienerals  Kean 
and  (iibbs  weio  .iuigciously  wounded,  and  (Jenl. 
Lambert  retired  from  the  field  with  the  fragments 
of  the  army,  the  flower  of  t!io  British  forces,  ac- 
customed to  confpier  in  the  wars  of  Europe. — 
Two  thousand  men  fell  in  Mus  ill  fated  assault 
which  will  be  rcmer..bored  wl.'le  history  lasts. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  n>er  things  were 
not  so  brilliant.     The  British  had  crossed  over 


tV 
o 

n 


*1 


n:  WAR. 

itor.     Tlioy    «till, 
forNMud.  rlosing 
troopH.  Hilt  when 
iniiMkct  nud  deatl- 
ni>  wnw  one  sheet 
10  Britifh  ofticerB 
ir  troopri  to  ocrlnin 
foil  nt  till-  head  of 
link  from  the  «on- 
;  but  imiverHiil   ru- 
lled  in   tlie  utmost 
9  only  emild  reach 
voted  to  sure  des- 
'd  hy  C.)l.    Uenee, 
fid  up  tlie  rampart; 
em  was  left  alive, 
'he  astonished  Bri- 
ninutes,  when  in  a 
second  eftort ;   but 
Bsult.     Tliey  were 
Id,   which  was  left 
t  shocking  and  pit- 
lommander-incliief, 
st  at  t  he  conimence- 
lim,  (ienerala  Kean 
t'onnded,  and  (Jenl. 
witii  the  fragments 
British  forces,  ac- 
wars  of  Europe. — 
lis  ill  fated  assault 
,ile  history  lasts. 

n>er  things  were 
h  had  crossed  over 


ni-^TouY  or  THE  i-atf.  war.       143 

Mnder  C'ol.  Thornlon.  and  innrehed  to  the  attack 
o?. he  entrenchments.  The  m.li.ia  of  the  s,a,e 
with  Home  ..f  Ih.-  Kentnekians,  under  (.cneral 
Morcan,  atV-r  -me  firr  irtrei.lr.l,  leaviuK  the  bat- 
ilnif  In  the  hands. ,r. lie  Bri.i.h.  The  enemy  had 
been  able  to  outllank  them,  m  rui.s...,Menec  of 
the  i^iviuR  wav  of  a  battallion  ot  Lou.suma  tni- 
litia  The  W^  <^r  the  Amin<an>  on  both  side* 
of  ihe  river,  did  . lot  exceed  20  lulled  and  40 

wounded.  ^  „rt\-» 

Tlie  Brifi-^h  wf re  now  onlv  atiuhouR  of  elicrt- 
mg  their  eseap...     Ou  .ho  I  Ith,  they  were  d.Heov- 
ered    to   :.avo  descended  the   b..voi.  <n.rmg  the 
night,  leaving  n  gr.ai  number  ot  wounded  ort.- 
cZ  mid  l).iv'ite.,.-    The   inhabi.ant,  were   hlled 
,vith  iov  for  tliiH  providential    deliverance,   and 
haied:iaeksonas'.he.r    deliverer.     They  pour- 
Hd  forth  their  urati.u.le  in  ,mbhc  ihank.gmng  f or 
,!is   .ignal   escape  from  n  t..e  who    would   have 
doom.-d  their  city  to  pilhigo  and  •''"'''••"^ »'"';, '« 
utmost  t.>nden.es.  ami   humamlv  were  exhil. ted 
bv  all  the  iuhaUi.m(^.  to  the  imtort,m..e  v.;   un« 

o-  war.  wlio  n  .,u,r_-l  .he  asMs,a.,ee  ot '  -e.r  lei'-  v 
creatures.  Kv.  .v  le.u.e  was  a  bos:,;  al  b.r  the 
reception  of  the'  wounded,  and  the  benevolent 
Histers,  the  nuns,  w.re  actively  engaged  m  pour- 
i„jj  oil  on  their  wounds,  and  m  disehargu.g  all 
the  offices  of  diristian  chanty. 

In  a  few  davs  aft.rwar.ls  ,t  was  discovered  hat 
the  enemy  had  entirelv  disnope^red,  and  the  Mat^ 
of  Lomsiana,  then  the  latest  star  in  the  conR-do- 
ration,  shone  with  beauteous  lustre 

The    British  pr...;eeded   soon    nilcr  to   attack 


144  HISTORY  OP  THE  l-ATF.  WAR. 

Fort  Bowver,  and  being  able  to  bring  nn  ov«r- 
whclmins  'force  ngainnt  it,  tl.ey  took  ,,08«oH«ion 
of  the  i.livco.  Not  however  to  rotnin  it  long,  an 
the  newH  of  i.eac.-  «.)on  nfter  cauf^cd  it  to  be  res- 
torcd  to  tlio  Americans. 

This  event,  so  welcome  to  bU,  nt  Inst  arrived. 
It  was  concliul.  .1  between  the  Uritmh  ami  Ainer- 
can   eomrni-ionerH,    on  the  ^l  of    i>c-oen.be  . 
1BI4,  and  ratified  by  the  I'r.nce  ««J?'^"  ,  ""l'',^ 
28th,  and  by  th-.-  President  and  Senate  on  the  IHth 
of  l4bruarv,    ISlu.     All   parl.es  m   the   Ihuted 
States  heartily  rejoiced.     A.nerjcu   woh  v.ctor- 
ous   in  the  Hlrngfile:  the  enemy  had  been  H^na^- 
ly  vanquished  both  by  sea  and  land ;  and  though 
tW  change  which   had  occurred  m  t"'r"P«'  »'^d 
rendered  it  unne.e.Hary  to  .nsi.t  m  ">«  "^^'"^y  "" 
any  provisionB  ug^inst  future  nbuees,  thn  manly 
resistance  of  this  country  had  convinced  Great 
Britain,  and  the  whole  world,  that  America  wa« 
not  to  bo  inuulted  with  impunity. 


THE  END. 


QtjyJ^  -^u 


,ATr.  WAR. 

lie  to  bring  nn  over- 

liey  took  posftoHsion 

to"  rotnin  it  long,  nn 

■  cuuf-cd  it  to  be  rcB- 

o  nil,  «t  Inst  arrived, 
ic  Uritifth  aiul  Ainer- 
!(•  l!t  of  December, 
'rime  Regent  on  tbe 
nd  Soniite  on  thr  IHth 
iiirlifs  in   tho   United 
/\niericii   won  virtori- 
leniy  had  been  wignal- 
and  land ;  luid  though 
nrred  in   Europe  had 
inssixt  in  llie  treaty  on 
lire  nbuBcs,  the  manly 
r  had  convinced  Great 
rid,  that  America  was 
unity. 


SD. 


